<P> On 2 January begins the Forefeast of the Theophany . The Eve of the Theophany on 5 January is a day of strict fasting, on which the devout will not eat anything until the first star is seen at night . This day is known as Paramony (Greek Παραμονή "Eve"), and follows the same general outline as Christmas Eve . That morning is the celebration of the Royal Hours and then the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil combined with Vespers, at the conclusion of which is celebrated the Great Blessing of Waters, in commemoration of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River . There are certain parallels between the hymns chanted on Paramony and those of Good Friday, to show that, according to Orthodox theology, the steps that Jesus took into the Jordan River were the first steps on the way to the Cross . That night the All - Night Vigil is served for the Feast of the Theophany . </P> <P> Within the Twelve Days of Christmas, there are celebrations both secular and religious . </P> <P> Christmas Day, if it is considered to be part of the Twelve Days of Christmas and not as the day preceding the Twelve Days, is celebrated by Christians as the liturgical feast of the Nativity of the Lord . It is a public holiday in many nations, including some where the majority of the population is not Christian . On this see the articles on Christmas and Christmas traditions . </P> <P> 26 December is "St. Stephen's Day", a feast day in the Western Church . In Great Britain and its former colonies, it is also the secular holiday of Boxing Day . In some parts of Ireland it is denominated "Wren Day". </P>

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