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Get ready to commemorate a unique and lesser-known holiday on December 28 – Holy Innocents Day! This ancient Christian feast day originated in the 5th century and is also known as Childermas or Innocents' Day. It's a time to remember the biblical event of King Herod ordering the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem, in an attempt to kill baby Jesus. Despite its somber origins, this day is now celebrated with various traditions around the world, including pranks and jokes played on each other. So let's honor this day by spreading joy and laughter while also reflecting on its significance in history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Herod's Massacre</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Herod, mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, orders the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem, in an attempt to kill baby Jesus. This event is known as the Massacre of the Innocents.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>400s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Feast Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Holy Innocents Day, also known as Childermas or Innocents' Day, is established in the 5th century as a Christian feast day to remember the innocent children killed by Herod.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1400s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusion in Book of Common Prayer</div><div class='timeline-text'>Holy Innocents Day is included in the liturgical calendar in the Book of Common Prayer, reinforcing its observance within the Anglican Church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Observance Shift in Europe</div><div class='timeline-text'>In some parts of Europe, Holy Innocents Day begins to see changes in its observance. Traditions of pranks and jokes start to take shape, as Holy Innocents Day takes a form similar to April Fools' Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Changes by the Catholic Church</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Roman Catholic Church makes changes to the liturgical calendar which reduces the rank of several feasts, including Feast of the Holy Innocents, making it an optional memorial.</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'>Act out the traditional Nativity story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to act out the Nativity story in honor of the innocent children lost on this day. It's a great way to remember the true meaning of Christmas and teach younger generations about the biblical event.</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'>Donate to a charity that helps children</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In the spirit of giving and honoring the innocent children who lost their lives, donate to a charity that helps children in need. This can be a great way to spread love and kindness on Holy Innocents Day.</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'>Create artwork or crafts with children</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time with children creating artwork or crafts that represent the innocence of childhood. This can be a meaningful way to celebrate Holy Innocents Day and appreciate the beauty of childhood innocence.</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'>Attend a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold candlelight vigils on Holy Innocents Day to honor the innocent children who were killed. Attend one of these events to show your support and remember those who have passed.</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'>Perform random acts of kindness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread love and kindness on Holy Innocents Day by performing random acts of kindness throughout the day. This can be a simple way to honor the memory of the innocent children and make a positive impact in your community.</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 commemorates an important historical event</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Holy Innocents Day is observed on December 28th to remember the young children who were killed by King Herod in an attempt to kill baby Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the innocent lives lost and the hardships faced by many during this time in history.</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 highlights the importance of protecting children</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The massacre of the innocents depicted on Holy Innocents Day sheds light on the need for society to protect and care for its youngest members. It serves as a call to action towards ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children everywhere, no matter their circumstances.</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 reflection and empathy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Holy Innocents Day encourages individuals to reflect on their own actions and exhibit empathy towards those who are suffering. It serves as a reminder to be kind and compassionate towards others, especially those who may be facing difficult times.</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'>Holy Innocents Day is Commemorated Differently Across Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>The holiday is celebrated with various traditions globally, from Mexico's "Dia de los Santos Inocentes," where people prank each other, to the Philippines' "Innocents' Day", which is more solemn and reflective in nature.</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'>Holy Innocents Day is also known as the Feast of Fools in France</h3><p class='facts-content'>Historically, France commemorated Holy Innocents Day before the practice transformed into the Feast of Fools, highlighting merriment more than memorialization.</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'>Its Celebration Falls within the Twelve Days of Christmas</h3><p class='facts-content'>Holy Innocents Day takes place on the fourth day of Christmas according to Christian tradition, providing a sobering reflection amidst the festivities.</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'>Holy Innocents Day Predates the Celebration of Christmas</h3><p class='facts-content'>The commemoration of Holy Innocents Day likely took place earlier than the general acceptance of December 25th as the date of Jesus' birth.</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'>Flowers are a Symbol of the Innocents</h3><p class='facts-content'>In church celebrations, flowers, representing the innocence of children, are often used to decorate the church or cathedral for services commemorating Holy Innocents Day.</p></div></div>
Holy Innocents Day is celebrated on December 28 every year. In 2024 Holy Innocents Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Dec 28
Thursday
2024
Dec 28
Saturday
2025
Dec 28
Sunday
2026
Dec 28
Monday
2027
Dec 28
Tuesday
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