New Delhi: Every year on July 12, the Twelfth is celebrated in North Ireland mainly by the Ulster Protestants. The day celebrates the Glorious Revolution in 1688 and the Protestant King William of Orange’s victory over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The victory gave Ireland a Protestant Ascendancy and on this day, the Ulster Loyalist marching bands and Orange Order hold large parades. Union flags and buntings adorn the streets and large towering bonfires are organised. The day is a public holiday in Northern Ireland.
The beginning of the celebration
The day has been celebrated since the 17th century to commemorate the dominance of Protestantism in Ireland following the 1641 Irish Rebellion and the victory in the Williamite War which took place between 1689 and 1691. Initially, the day was celebrated on October 23 which was the anniversary of the 1641 rebellion. Later, the birthday of William of Orange on November 4 gained precedence, but the popularity of both decreased by the end of the 18th century.
The Twelfth truly originated as a celebration on July 12 to commemorate the Battle of Aughrim which occurred on the same day in 1691 as per the Julian calendar. In the war, the Irish Catholic Jacobite army was decimated. In the early 18th century, the day was celebrated with bonfires and parades. In the late 18th century, the victory in the Battle of the Boyne, which took place on July 1, 1690, was also combined as the British switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 and also, due to the establishment of the Orange Order in 1795. Due to the presence of William of Orange in Boyne, the Orange order preferred it.
The Twelfth has witnessed violence between Ulster Protestants and Catholics. To the Protestants, it is an integral part of their culture, and it is detested by the Catholic Irish nationalists. The Orange Order marches through Catholic neighbourhoods and the Drumcree conflict is the most well-known dispute. However today, most of the events take place peacefully and Northern Ireland has also tried to draw tourists to the main Twelfth parades and showcase them as family-friendly events.
The day has been celebrated since the 17th century to commemorate the dominance of Protestantism in Ireland following the 1641 Irish Rebellion and the victory in the Williamite War. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
