Holy Innocents Day, observed annually on December 28th. The day commemorates the execution of the innocent, male children in Bethlehem as told in Matthew 2:16.
#HolyInnocentsDay
Also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents (and referred to as Childermas), the day refers to King Herod’s order found in Matthew’s account of the king’s reaction to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy. This day is observed in the Western churches on December 28th and Eastern churches on December 29th. These children are considered martyrs, Saints of God, by the Church.
HOW TO OBSERVE HOLY INNOCENTS DAY
On this day it is custom to give the youngest child in the household the power to rule the day. From what to eat, where to go, and what to do, the youngest is in charge. In Mexico, it is a day for children to play practical jokes and pranks on their elders. Use #HolyInnocentsDay to post on social media.
HOLY INNOCENTS DAY HISTORY
Herod was born around 74 B.C. The Romans appointed him King of Judea in 37 B.C.
Upon hearing of the birth of the King of the Jews – a threat to his rule and the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy – Herod ordered the execution of all the male children in Bethlehem. While scholars debate the exact date and even dispute whether the massacre happened, the feast has been celebrated since before the end of the fifth century.
