Feast of the Ass

Feast of the Ass is observed annually on January 14. This medieval Christian holiday celebrates the various donkeys mentioned in the Bible, most notably the one that carried the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Originally a major event in France during the Middle Ages, the day centers on the humble beast of burden that provided essential transport for Mary and the infant Jesus. It highlights the intersection of sacred scripture and folk traditions, emphasizing the value of even the most modest creatures in historical narratives.

History of Feast of the Ass

The Feast of the Ass, or Festum Asinorum, emerged in the 11th century as a localized variation of the broader Feast of Fools. It was primarily celebrated in French cities like Rouen and Beauvais. The celebration was inspired by the pseudo-Augustinian “Sermo contra Judaeos,” a 6th-century text that featured a procession of prophets. Over time, the role of Balaam’s donkey in these plays became so popular with the public that the focus of the January 14 liturgy shifted specifically toward the animal.

By the 13th century, the festivities had become elaborate town-wide events. A young woman holding a child would ride a donkey through the streets, accompanied by the singing of the “Orientis Partibus,” a hymn praising the donkey’s strength and patience. Once the procession reached the church, the donkey was led directly to the altar. During the mass, the congregation and even the priest would replace traditional responses with braying sounds. Although the Catholic Church began to suppress the holiday in the 15th century due to its perceived lack of decorum, it remains a unique example of how medieval communities blended religious devotion with theatrical humor.

Why is Feast of the Ass important?

This holiday is significant because it recognizes the vital role of laborers and the “lowly” in the story of human progress. In a medieval society where the horse was a symbol of the aristocracy, the donkey was the animal of the common person and of Christ. The Feast of the Ass elevated this working-class animal to a position of honor at the altar, briefly subverting social hierarchies. It serves as a historical reminder that the most impactful figures and tools in history are often the ones that perform their duties without seeking glory.

In a modern context, the day highlights the importance of animal welfare and the historical bond between humans and working animals. It provides a rare look at the “liturgical drama” of the Middle Ages, showing how the church used sensory experiences—sound, costume, and animals—to communicate stories to a largely illiterate population. By acknowledging the donkey’s service, the holiday encourages a broader appreciation for the forgotten contributors to our shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

• The feast commemorates the protection and safety of the Holy Family during their travels.
• It highlights the donkey’s repeated appearances in key biblical moments like Palm Sunday.
• The observance reflects the medieval tradition of “holy folly” and social role reversal.
• It honors the physical labor and endurance required for historical transportation.
• The day preserves ancient musical traditions like the donkey-themed prose and chants.

How to Celebrate Feast of the Ass

Modern observation typically involves reflecting on the biblical accounts of the Flight into Egypt and the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Many people choose to read Matthew 2:13–23 to understand the dangerous context in which the donkey served as a lifeline. For those who enjoy history, listening to medieval recordings of the “Orientis Partibus” provides a sonic connection to the 13th-century streets of France. It is also an appropriate time to support animal sanctuaries that provide care for elderly or rescued donkeys and mules.

Creative celebrations can include organizing small pageants or sharing art that depicts the Flight into Egypt. Since the original feast was known for its “raucous” nature, some observers engage in lighthearted traditions like mimicking the braying responses of the medieval congregation. It is a day to focus on humility and patience, perhaps by performing a quiet act of service for someone else. Sharing the history of this unusual holiday on social media helps keep the memory of this unique cultural fusion alive.

• Read the scriptural account of the Flight into Egypt and the donkey’s role.
• Listen to medieval liturgical music associated with the French Fête de l’âne.
• Donate to an animal rescue organization that specializes in equines.
• Share artwork from the Middle Ages or Renaissance depicting the Holy Family on a donkey.
• Spend time outdoors with animals to appreciate their companionship and steady nature.

Feast of the Ass Dates Table