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Get ready to celebrate the quirky and lesser-known holiday, Feast of the Ass Day on January 14! This unusual holiday dates back to medieval times when it was a Christian celebration honoring the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem before giving birth to Jesus. Nowadays, it's a fun and light-hearted holiday that celebrates these loyal and hardworking animals. So why not take this day as an opportunity to appreciate the humble donkey and all their contributions? Let's make this Feast of the Ass Day one to remember!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>500 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Mentions of Ass Worship</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early records show that the ass was esteemed in religious rites particularly in Eastern Christianity, paving the way for what was to become the Feast of the Ass.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1100s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Documented Feast</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first documented celebration of the Feast of the Ass occurred in Besançon, France, evidencing its established place in religious festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1200s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feast Popularity Peaks</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feast of the Ass reached the height of its popularity, with festivities involving a procession and a mass led by a girl riding a donkey into church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feast Decline</div><div class='timeline-text'>Church authorities began suppressing the Feast of the Ass due to its loud and boisterous nature, leading to its decrease in popularity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feast Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feast of the Ass experienced a small scale revival when Robert Antelme and his team brought back the festival in medieval fashion in Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines, France.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Nowadays, the holiday is enjoyed as a quirky celebration of donkeys, their historical significance, and contribution to humanity.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an ass-themed potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a feast of dishes that incorporate foods associated with donkeys, such as carrots, oats, and hay. Get creative with recipes and decorations to really embrace the spirit of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a donkey ride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local farm or petting zoo that offers donkey rides and take one in honor of Feast of the Ass Day. You'll get to connect with these gentle creatures and have a unique experience to commemorate the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a movie featuring donkeys</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Cozy up on the couch with some popcorn and watch a movie like "Shrek," "The Three Amigos," or "Pinocchio" that includes lovable donkey characters. It's a fun way to celebrate Feast of the Ass Day while also enjoying a good film.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a donkey charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support a donkey sanctuary or rescue organization by making a donation in honor of Feast of the Ass Day. Not only will you be celebrating the holiday, but you'll also be helping to improve the lives of these amazing animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear an ass-themed outfit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of the holiday by dressing up in an outfit featuring donkey or ass designs. This can be as simple as wearing a shirt with a donkey print or as elaborate as creating a full costume. It's a fun and silly way to celebrate Feast of the Ass Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings a touch of humor to our celebrations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Feast of the Ass Day is not a traditional holiday by any means, but its quirky and humorous nature adds a bit of fun to our everyday lives. It's the perfect excuse to let loose and have a good laugh with friends and family!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to learn about different cultures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Feast of the Ass is primarily celebrated in France, but it has roots in other European countries as well. By observing this holiday, we can expand our knowledge and understanding of different cultures and their unique holiday traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages us to appreciate the silliness in life</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up in seriousness and stress. Feast of the Ass Day reminds us to take a step back and find joy in the silly things. It's a lighthearted holiday that reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Donkey Carried Important Biblical Figures</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Bible, donkeys were ridden by important figures such as Mary and Jesus. The Feast of the Ass Day originally honored the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem before giving birth to Jesus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donkeys Have a Special Call in the Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>In medieval times, a donkey was led up to the church altar, and its call (or bray) was included in the celebration, reportedly to remind the churchgoers of its service to Mary and Jesus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Complex Liturgy was Dedicated to the Donkey</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Feast of the Ass had its own liturgy in medieval times, which was composed of various antiphons, responses, and even a processional chant that began with "Orientis partibus" sung while the donkey was led through the town.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is Only Observed in Certain Regions Today</h3><p class='facts-content'>Today, the Feast of the Ass is not widely celebrated. However, some regions, especially in the south of France, still maintain this tradition with a humorous and often irreverent spirit.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donkey-Pulled Wagon Parades are a Feasting Highlight</h3><p class='facts-content'>In modern times, one of the highlights for Feast of the Ass Day celebrations is a parade featuring donkeys pulling wagons. This highlights the working aspect of donkeys and is a nod to the traditional role they played historically.</p></div></div>
Feast of the Ass Day is celebrated on January 14 every year. In 2024 Feast of the Ass Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jan 14
Saturday
2024
Jan 14
Sunday
2025
Jan 14
Tuesday
2026
Jan 14
Wednesday
2027
Jan 14
Thursday
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