Holy Innocents' Day

American  

noun

1. December 28, a day of religious observance commemorating the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem by Herod's order.

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Holy Innocents' Day British  

noun

1. Dec 28, a day commemorating the massacre of male children at Bethlehem by Herod's order (Matthew 2:16); Childermas

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Example Sentences

The youthful bishop was elected by the choir-boys, and exercised his functions until Holy Innocents' Day.

From Old English Sports, Pastimes and Customs by Ditchfield, P. H. (Peter Hampson)

The most important of the three feasts was that of the boys on Holy Innocents’ Day, a theoretically appropriate date.

From Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan by Miles, Clement A.

The devil's passing-bell tolls on Christmas Eve from the church tower at Dewsbury, and a muffled peal bewails the slaughter of the children on Holy Innocents' Day.

From Vanishing England by Ditchfield, P. H. (Peter Hampson)

"Yes, that may well be so, but I died on Holy Innocents' Day," said Kalle Kula, "so at least I may look in and see the innocent children?"

From The Swedish Fairy Book by Various

I must give you a little specimen of Ælfric's writing, a piece taken from his beautiful homily on Holy Innocents' Day.

From Our Catholic Heritage in English Literature of Pre-Conquest Days by Hickey, Emily