Feast of the Ass Day, also known as Festum Asinorum or Fête de l’âne, is a medieval Christian celebration observed on January 14th. It commemorates the humble donkey that carried the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus—into Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution. This feast highlights the donkey’s significant role in biblical narratives, particularly in the Nativity story and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 14th
- Tagged as: A medieval Christian feast
- What’s the hashtag?: #FeastOfTheAss
- When was it founded?: First observed in the 11th century
- Who founded it?: Originated in medieval France, possibly as a Christian adaptation of the pagan feast Cervulus
History of Feast of the Ass Day
The Feast of the Ass Day has its roots in medieval France, where it was celebrated as part of the broader Feast of Fools. It was inspired by biblical stories involving donkeys, such as the flight into Egypt and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The celebration included processions with a girl riding a donkey, often carrying a baby, and the donkey standing beside the altar during the service. The congregation would participate by braying like donkeys in response to the priest.
Timeline
- 11th Century: The Feast of the Ass began as a Christian adaptation of pagan feasts, integrating the Nativity story’s donkey.
- 12th to 15th Century: It became popular in France, particularly in Beauvais, known for its lively celebrations.
- Late 15th Century: The feast fell out of favor and was gradually phased out by the Catholic Church.
The Feast of the Ass was a time for joy and celebration, emphasizing the humble role of the donkey in Christian narratives. It was also a period when roles were sometimes reversed, with laypeople participating in mock religious ceremonies.
Feast of the Ass Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 14 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January 14 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 14 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 14 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 14 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 14 | Monday |
Observed in Modern Times
Today, the Feast of the Ass is more of a historical curiosity, though efforts are made to revive its spirit. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and faith, as exemplified by the Holy Family’s trust in God during their journey to Egypt. The celebration encourages people to appreciate simple acts of service and the often-overlooked roles of humble creatures like the donkey.
The feast also highlights the resilience of the Holy Family and their reliance on a humble donkey for protection. This narrative emphasizes the value of faith and trust in divine guidance.
In modern times, people can observe the Feast of the Ass by reading biblical accounts of the flight into Egypt, singing hymns in honor of the donkey, or participating in symbolic rituals that represent humility and service.
Fun Facts About Feast of the Ass Day
- The Feast of the Ass was known for its lively processions and the participation of the congregation in braying like donkeys.
- It was celebrated primarily in France, where it was part of the Feast of Fools.
- The celebration included a special “Mass of the Ass,” where a donkey would be decorated and placed beside the altar.
Quiz
- On which date is the Feast of the Ass celebrated?
- What is the primary biblical event commemorated by the Feast of the Ass?
- In which century did the Feast of the Ass begin?
- Where was the Feast of the Ass primarily celebrated?
- Why did the Catholic Church eventually discontinue the Feast of the Ass?
*(Answers:
- January 14th
- The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt
- 11th century
- France
- It was deemed improper and less serious than other religious observances)*
FAQs
- What is the Feast of the Ass?: A medieval Christian feast honoring the donkey’s role in biblical stories.
- When did the Feast of the Ass start?: It began in the 11th century.
- Why was the Feast of the Ass celebrated?: To commemorate the donkey that carried the Holy Family to Egypt.
- Where was the Feast of the Ass primarily observed?: In France.
- Why did the Feast of the Ass decline?: It was phased out by the Catholic Church due to its less serious nature.
Importance of Feast of the Ass Day
The Feast of the Ass Day holds significant importance as it reminds Christians of the value of humility and obedience. It highlights how even the humblest creatures can play crucial roles in divine plans. This celebration encourages people to stay humble and faithful, inspired by the donkey that carried Jesus and his family to safety.
The feast also serves as a reminder of the resilience and trust of the Holy Family during their journey. It emphasizes the importance of faith and protection, showing how simple acts of service can be pivotal in times of need.
In a broader sense, the Feast of the Ass Day underscores the importance of appreciating all creatures, regardless of their perceived status or role. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked narratives in Christian scripture.
Related Celebrations
- Feast of Fools: A medieval celebration known for its playful and unconventional nature.
- Palm Sunday: Commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.
- Epiphany: Celebrates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.