The Feast of the Holy Innocents, also known as the Childermas or Innocents’ Day, is celebrated on December 28 in the Latin Church. This feast commemorates the young boys of Bethlehem who were martyred by King Herod in his attempt to kill the Christ Child (Matthew 2:16-18). These children, known as the Holy Innocents, are regarded as the first martyrs of the Christian Church, giving their lives for Christ without even knowing Him.
Hagiographical Context
The Gospel of St. Matthew recounts how the Magi, having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, departed for their own country by another way. Realizing that he had been deceived, Herod was enraged. In a futile attempt to eliminate the newborn “King of the Jews,” he ordered the massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity.
Though the exact number of children killed is not known, early traditions estimate their numbers to be in the dozens or hundreds. St. Augustine and other Fathers of the Church highlight their unique role as witnesses to Christ, describing them as “buds killed by the frost of persecution the moment they appeared.”
Liturgical and Traditional Observances
- Mass and Office:
The liturgical color for this feast is red, signifying martyrdom. The Gospel reading for the day (Matthew 2:13-18) recounts the slaughter of the Innocents and the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. In the Divine Office, the antiphons and hymns often reflect their innocent martyrdom. - Symbolism:
The Holy Innocents are venerated as martyrs, though they were unbaptized. Their martyrdom is considered a “baptism of blood,” as they died in place of Christ and for His sake. This teaching underscores the Church’s belief in God’s mercy and the salvific grace available to all, even infants. - Popular Customs:
- In some countries, children receive gifts or special blessings on this day.
- In medieval Europe, the feast day was marked by the “Boy Bishop” tradition, where a child was chosen to mimic a bishop for the day.
- In Spain and Latin America, it resembles April Fools’ Day, with pranks and jokes recalling Herod’s deception.
- Spiritual Reflection:
The feast calls the faithful to meditate on the innocence and vulnerability of children, the sanctity of life, and the stark reality of sin and its consequences. It also invites us to reflect on the spiritual warfare that surrounds the mystery of the Incarnation, as Satan, through Herod, sought to destroy the Savior.
Connection to Christ
The Holy Innocents died in the place of the Christ Child, prefiguring His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. Their martyrdom reminds the faithful that the coming of Christ brings both salvation and opposition, joy and suffering. Their feast, falling within the octave of Christmas, maintains the theme of light overcoming darkness and life triumphing over death.
The Holy Innocents are patrons of children, especially those who suffer or are endangered, and their intercession is often sought for the protection and sanctity of all human life.