Holy Innocents Day - December 28th, 2024

The Forgotten Feast of Holy Innocents Day

December 28th may seem like just another day after Christmas, but for many Christians around the world, it's a special day to commemorate the first Christian martyrs - the innocent children massacred by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Yes, you read that right - Holy Innocents Day is a real holiday, and it's more than just a footnote in the Christmas story!

The historical background of Holy Innocents Day dates back to the 1st century, when King Herod, feeling threatened by the prophecy of a newborn King of the Jews, ordered the execution of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two. This brutal act, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18), led to the martyrdom of countless innocent children, making them the first Christian martyrs.

Today, Holy Innocents Day is observed on December 28th, and while it may not be as widely celebrated as Christmas or Easter, it still holds significant importance in many Christian traditions. In fact, it's considered a feast day in many Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, where special masses and worship services are held to honor the memory of the innocent children.

So, how do people celebrate Holy Innocents Day? Well, it's not all somber and gloomy, despite the somber origins of the holiday! In many countries, especially in Latin America and Spain, December 28th is a day of merriment and foolery, similar to April Fool's Day. Yes, you read that right - in some cultures, Holy Innocents Day is an excuse to play pranks on friends and family!

In Mexico, for instance, December 28th is known as "Día de los Santos Inocentes," where people play tricks on each other, often involving elaborate pranks and hoaxes. It's not uncommon to see people running around with whoopee cushions, fake spiders, or other silly props. The idea behind this tradition is that, just as Herod's soldiers searched for Jesus in vain, people are "searching" for their friends and family to play a prank on them!

In other countries, Holy Innocents Day is more of a somber affair, with processions, chanting, and reflection on the sacrifice of the innocent children. In Spain, for example, it's common to see processions of people carrying wooden figures of the infant Jesus, accompanied by chanting and hymns.

While Holy Innocents Day may not be a widely recognized holiday in modern times, it's an important reminder of the significance of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. As we celebrate the joy and love of Christmas, let's not forget the innocent lives lost in the earliest days of Christianity - and the lessons we can learn from their bravery and devotion.

So, on December 28th, take a moment to reflect on the story of the Holy Innocents, and maybe even play a harmless prank on a friend or family member. Who knows, you might just start a new holiday tradition!

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