Holy Innocents Day

Holy Innocents Day is observed annually on December 28. This religious feast commemorates the biblical account of the massacre of male infants in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus.

History of Holy Innocents Day

The origins of this observance are found in the Gospel of Matthew, which describes the “Massacre of the Innocents.” According to the text, King Herod grew paranoid after the Magi arrived seeking a newborn King of the Jews. When the Magi did not return to report the child’s location, Herod ordered the execution of all male children aged two and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding region. The Holy Family escaped this violence by fleeing to Egypt following a divine warning given to Joseph in a dream.

Recorded celebrations of the feast date back to at least the late fourth century, appearing in the church calendar of Carthage. Historically known in England as Childermas or Children’s Mass, the day became one of the key observances within the Octave of Christmas. While the exact number of victims is debated by historians and theologians, the children are traditionally honored as the first Christian martyrs because they died in the place of Christ.

Why is Holy Innocents Day important?

The day serves as a solemn memorial for the victims of state-sponsored violence and injustice. It highlights the vulnerability of children and the moral obligation of society to protect the innocent from political or social upheaval. In many liturgical traditions, the day is marked by a shift in tone from the joy of Christmas to a more reflective and restrained atmosphere, often utilizing purple or red vestments to signify mourning and martyrdom.

Beyond its biblical context, the holiday is a significant cultural touchstone for recognizing the value of every human life. It provides a specific time for communities to reflect on the historical suffering of the marginalized and the persistence of innocence in the face of tyranny. The feast also connects the narrative of the Nativity to the broader themes of sacrifice and resilience found throughout the New Testament.

• The day honors the children regarded as the first martyrs of the Christian faith
• It emphasizes the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and lives of the young
• Religious services provide a space for grieving parents to find communal support
• The feast maintains a historical link to medieval liturgical traditions and rituals
• It serves as a reminder of the historical complexities surrounding the birth of Jesus

How to Observe Holy Innocents Day

In many Western churches, the day is observed with a special Mass or service that includes the “Blessing of Children.” Parents bring their infants and young children to the altar to receive a formal blessing for their health and protection. In some communities, the youngest member of a religious house or family is given a symbolic role of authority for the day, such as choosing the menu for meals or leading certain prayers, a custom derived from the medieval “Boy Bishop” tradition.

In Spanish-speaking cultures, the day is known as “Día de los Santos Inocentes” and is observed with lighthearted pranks similar to April Fools’ Day. People play small tricks on friends and family, and the media may publish satirical or fake news stories. This shift toward humor is often interpreted as a way to celebrate the triumph of life and wit over the dark intentions of Herod. Whether through solemn prayer or cultural play, the day remains focused on the central theme of childhood.

• Attend a church service featuring the traditional blessing of the youngest family members
• Participate in or observe communal processions involving clay dolls or symbolic figures
• Support charities that provide medical care and food to children in conflict zones
• Set aside time for quiet reflection on the theme of protection for the vulnerable
• Share a meal where children are allowed to select the dishes and seating arrangements

Holy Innocents Day Dates Table