After the warmth and cheer of mulled wine on the Feast of St. John, December 28 brings a more somber reflection. While the Second Day of Christmas honors St. Stephen, the first martyr, and the Third Day celebrates St. John, the Fourth Day is dedicated to the Holy Innocents. These were the unfortunate children of Bethlehem, killed on King Herod’s orders after he was visited by the Magi—better known as the Three Kings or the Three Wise Men—seeking Jesus, the newborn king.

THE WRATH OF HEROD.

Herod deceitfully sent the Magi to locate the Christ child, claiming he, too, sought to honor the boy. The Magi, however, were warned in a dream of Herod’s evil intent, and after finding Jesus, they departed the country in secret without returning to the wicked king.

Incensed, Herod ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem two years old and under, hoping to ensure any prophesied rival would perish long before they could challenge him. The memorial of this dark act contrasts starkly with the joy of Christ’s birth. He escaped the massacre because St. Joseph was forewarned of it, moving quickly to bring his family to safety in Egypt.

Herod’s victims are remembered as the Holy Innocents, martyrs in deed before even St. Stephen. Meanwhile, Herod is remembered as one of history’s great villains, whose brutal murders did not delay his own inevitable death, wracked with disease and driven by mad by his pain.

CHILDERMAS.

Despite its macabre roots, Childermas celebrations are actually quite lighthearted. Traditions include turning the usual order of family life upside down, with children taking charge and deciding on meals, games, and entertainment.

In churches, a unique tradition once saw “boy bishops” and priests leading services. This largely faded out before the first North American colonies were planted, but it has been revived in recent years in parts of England, such as Hereford and Oldham.

In Spain and some Latin American countries, the day is also known for playful pranks by children on adults in the style of April Fools’ Day, ending with the shout of “Innocente!” rather than “April Fool!”

Rather than merely being a bit of festive silliness, these traditions are intended to recall Christ’s teachings that we must be humble, and His warning that we have a special duty of care to children.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven,” He said. “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”

Image by Lawrence OP.