<P> Some of these traditions were adapted from the older pagan customs, including the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yuletide . Some also have an echo in modern - day pantomime where traditionally authority is mocked and the principal male lead is played by a woman, while the leading older female character, or' Dame', is played by a man . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (December 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The early North American colonists brought their version of the Twelve Days over from England, and adapted them to their new country, adding their own variations over the years . For example, the modern - day Christmas wreath may have originated with these colonials . A homemade wreath would be fashioned from local greenery and fruits, if available, were added . Making the wreaths was one of the traditions of Christmas Eve; they would remain hung on each home's front door beginning on Christmas Night (1st night of Christmas) through Twelfth Night or Epiphany morning . As was already the tradition in their native England, all decorations would be taken down by Epiphany morning and the remainder of the edibles would be consumed . A special cake, the king cake, was also baked then for Epiphany . </P>

Why are there 12 days between christmas and epiphany