The dedicated volunteers at Catasauqua’s historic George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets, put together a 12th Night celebration and dinner, held Jan. 20.

Tours of the mansion were also provided to the general public by volunteer staff.

Twelfth Night is a Christian holiday celebrated Jan. 5. It marks the 12th and final night of the Christmas season and the coming of the Epiphany.

The Epiphany is celebrated Jan. 6. It is a Christian feast day that celebrates the story of how a star led three Magi, also known as the three kings, to locate and visit the baby Jesus.

According to George Taylor House Board Chair Jason Kern, of Bethlehem, the dinner was a token of appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who work to make the George Taylor House a great place to visit.

The summer house fireplace was tended by volunteer Sheila Martin, of Bethlehem, dressed in 18th-century attire. She was warming up the butter churn by the fire to prepare for the dinner. The dinner featured ham, forced asparagus in French bread, potato stuffing, bacon-wrapped asparagus and cake for dessert. Tea, water and wassail were served for drinks.

Wassail is a beverage made from hot mulled cider, ale or wine and spices. Wassail was an integral part of an ancient English yuletide drinking ritual and for celebration.

Forced asparagus is made by hollowing out a loaf of French bread and stuffing it with asparagus and a savory custard sauce.

Kern was delighted with the festive ambience of the home, the energy of the volunteers, the number of visitors seeking a house tour and the preparation for the 12th Night dinner. He also conducted a tour of the house.

Grace Moore-Mattes, of Hanover Township, Northampton County, marveled at the mansion with volunteers Judy Moran-Burton and Ryan Strawn as tour guides.

Volunteers Sheila Martin, Robert Martin and Dorothy Eberling, of Catasauqua, joined new volunteer Tammy Campbell, of Allentown, in preparing the dinner and decorating the home for the celebration. The group looked attractive in their 18th-century dress, complete with accessories.

It is remarkable having a late Christmas season celebration in an 18th-century atmosphere that lacks modern conveniences, electronics and other modern technology. During the 18th century, light would all be candlelight lamps and heat would be provided by fireplaces.

There is a popular belief that it is unlucky to leave Christmas decorations hanging in one’s home after 12th Night, so 18th-century Christians removed their decorations to keep bad luck out of the home.