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

"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

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.

Specimens of the sermons preached on Holy Innocents' Day have come down to us from the reigns of Henry VIII. and Mary, and are of extreme interest.

From The Customs of Old England by Snell, F. J. (Frederick John)

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 collect for Holy Innocents' Day in our Prayer-book formed part of the service.

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