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Day of the Holy Innocents |
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The Day of the Holy Innocents (Día de los Santos Inocentes) or "Childermas" falls each year on December 28th, the fourth (4th) day after the birth of Jesus. This remembrance is honor of the martyred male children in Bethlehem that Jewish King Herod ordered executed in his efforts to the newly born baby Jesus. Threatened by the prophecy of Jesus, he sent the Magi to find the Holy Child. These three (3) Kings were to report back to Herod so he could in turn go "worship" also. Having received a dream, the Magi did not go back to report of the new King of Jew's whereabouts. The Holy Family, was also visited by an angel in a dream and made their flight into Egypt. Herod became so enraged that he ordered the execution of all baby boys who were two (2) years and younger.
These martyred children, which many believe were the first Christian martyrs, are recognized on this day and the "child" is celebrated worldwide. Customs vary, but this day assigns a special role to children and almost universally, the activities on this day are a reversal of the power and authority between the older and younger generations. Often, the youngest child "rules the day" and decides on the day's drinks, foods, music, entertainment, etc. Here in Mexico, many Mexicans will also visit cemeteries with offerings to the souls of departed children.
Here in Cozumel, and all over Mexico and Spain, Childermas is rather like the equivalent of April Fool's Day that is popular America and France. Many tricks are pulled and the one (1) being tricked is called "Innocente" rather than our "April Fool's". The children are commonly the tricksters and tricks can involve locking their elders in rooms until these oldsters pay a ransom to be released.
Also, you will find that the children will "borrow", but have no intention of repaying, small loans from their unsuspecting friends and relatives that they consider a "soft" touch. After receiving the "loan", you will hear something similar to the following:
Innocent little dove (Inocente Palomita)
You have let yourself be fooled (Que te dejaste engañar)
Knowing that on this day (Sabiendo que en este día)
You should lend nothing (Nada se debe prestart).,
So if you are here in Cozumel on December 28th, be prepared to be "fooled" and possibly have some of your pesos "borrowed"! But it is all in good fun.
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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