Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday

What Is Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday?

The Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday refers to 28th December, which is traditionally recognised within Christian traditions as the Feast of the Holy Innocents. This day falls four days after Christmas Day, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and is part of the wider observance known as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It is primarily a religious observance, commemorating a specific historical event documented in Christian scriptures.

This observance acknowledges the tragic event described in the Gospel of Matthew, where King Herod ordered the killing of all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem. Herod’s intent was to eliminate the newborn “King of the Jews,” whose birth had been announced by the Magi. The children are considered the first martyrs for Christ.

Across various Christian denominations, the day serves as a time for remembrance and reflection on the sanctity of life and the innocent suffering endured. While not typically a public holiday, it holds significant cultural and religious importance for many.

History and Origins of Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday

The tradition of observing the Feast of the Holy Innocents on 28th December has ancient roots within Christianity, dating back at least to the 5th century. It became formally incorporated into the liturgical calendars of various Christian churches over time. The event itself, the Massacre of the Innocents, is recounted in Matthew 2:16-18.

Historically, this day has been associated with various customs, some sombre and others reflecting a more playful or inverted order, particularly in medieval European traditions. These customs often contrasted with the solemnity of the event being commemorated. The integration of this observance into the “Twelve Days of Christmas” period solidifies its connection to the Nativity story, marking a significant point in the narrative immediately following Christ’s birth.

In regions such as India, Christian communities, particularly those belonging to Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, observe this day with specific church services. These services often include readings from the Gospel of Matthew, prayers for children, and reflections on martyrdom and innocence.

How Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday Is Celebrated

The primary mode of celebration for the Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday, or the Feast of the Holy Innocents, involves religious services. Churches hold special Masses or prayer meetings dedicated to the memory of the innocent children. The liturgical colour for the day in the Roman Catholic Church is red, signifying martyrdom.

Global Christian Observance

Congregations worldwide use this day to reflect on the themes of innocence, sacrifice, and the protection of children. Prayers are often offered for children who suffer from violence, neglect, or illness. In some parts of the world, there are traditions of blessing children on this day.

Traditions in India

In India, where Christianity constitutes a significant minority religion, the Feast of the Holy Innocents is observed within the Christian community. Churches across states with notable Christian populations, such as Kerala, Goa, and parts of the North East, will conduct special services. These services are typically family-oriented, with a focus on catechism and the religious significance of the day. While not a public holiday, it is an important date in the religious calendar for many Indian Christians, reinforcing the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus.

Historical European Customs

Historically, some European cultures observed the day with traditions that involved children playing pranks or mock inversions of authority, sometimes referred to as “Childermas.” These practices were often intended to provide a momentary release or to symbolise the chaotic nature of Herod’s decree. However, such customs have largely faded or are only observed in specific, localised forms today, with the religious observance being the more prevalent tradition.

When Is Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday?

The Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday is a fixed date observance. It consistently falls on 28th December each year within the Gregorian calendar. This date is universally recognised across Western Christian traditions for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, following Christmas Day (25th December), St Stephen’s Day (26th December), and St John the Evangelist’s Day (27th December).

Fourth Day of the Christmas Holiday Key Facts