Innocents Day, also known as Childermas, is a Christian holiday commemorating the massacre of male infants in Bethlehem by King Herod. The word "innocents" (/ˈɪn.ə.sənts/) is spelled with a double "n" followed by the letters "o" and "c." The vowel sound is pronounced with a short "i" (as in "in" or "kid"). The final consonant cluster has a soft "ts" sound (as in "scent" or "nonsense"). The spelling of "innocents" is important for correctly identifying and understanding the significance of this historical event and the holiday it inspired.
Innocents' Day, also known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents, is a religious observance celebrated on December 28th in the Western Christian calendar. According to Christian tradition, this day commemorates the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by the order of King Herod, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. This event took place shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ, as Herod feared the potential threat to his power from the newborn King of the Jews.
Innocents' Day serves as a solemn reminder of the innocence and the sacrifice of those young children who must endure suffering and death even though they are unaware of the reasons behind it. It represents the vulnerability and injustice that can be inflicted upon the innocent.
While it is a solemn occasion, Innocents' Day is not widely celebrated in most Western Christian cultures as a separate event. However, in certain regions, it is customary to remember the Holy Innocents as part of the Christmas season or during Epiphany celebrations. Some Christian churches may include special readings, prayers, or sermons to acknowledge the event on this day.
Symbolically, Innocents' Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and protecting the most vulnerable in society, particularly children, and highlighting the significance of justice, mercy, and compassion towards those who suffer unjustly.
The etymology of the word "Innocents Day" can be traced back to the Christian holiday known as the Feast of the Holy Innocents or simply the Massacre of the Innocents. This day is observed on December 28th to commemorate the biblical event described in the Gospel of Matthew. According to the story, King Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem in order to prevent the prophesied birth of Jesus Christ. The innocent children killed in this massacre became known as the Holy Innocents.
Over time, the observance of this day expanded beyond its religious context and became associated with various customs and traditions in different cultures. In some regions, it is considered a day of pranks and practical jokes, similar to April Fool's Day.