Every December 28 I usually look a little more on the news to try to find out what is the innocent that every media outlet tries to sneak into; Today I am on my fourth day of flu, and the last thing I want has been to swallow informative and track the digital newspapers.
So instead, I will try to tell you what the origin of Holy Innocents Day is, which responds to the tradition of remembering the killing of all children under two years old born in Bethlehem, ordered by King Herod to end the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
But how is it that such a cruel and bloody story (whose historical evidence is limited to the reading of the Bible) gives rise to a celebration based on joking with family, friends and neighbors?
As you know, according to the sacred texts King Herod was informed by the Magi, about the birth of the Messiah, and he is afraid of losing his throne, he tried to locate the newborn. I didn't know him personally, so despotism did the rest. Jesus was saved because his parents fled, not so the other babies who fell victim to the tyrant's wrath; But well, let's be scandalized to the right extent, because a few days ago I saw some of the latest images of killings in Syria, and seeing dozens of lifeless bodies of children lying on the ground, it does not seem to indicate that we humans have gotten better.
Not only is the origin of Holy Innocents Day religious, because during the Middle Ages, it was decided to join the celebration of the 'feast of the crazy' to the feast of the innocent, the date would be set between Christmas and New Yearor. The feast of the crazy claimed that during that day, everything could be allowed, without blame on anyone in particular, as you can imagine, debauchery was one of the components.
In Spain the most widespread and popular joke is put a white stick on the back, that and spreading false and funny news while for a moment they can make us believe in an illusion or an invented story. In my opinion, the innocent should serve to unite people, and that everything is worth it seems to have happened to history, fortunately, because in a joke we should all laugh, right?
The relationship of the slaughter of the Innocents, and the jokes we spend on each other may be based on Herod being able to live a long time believing he had accomplished his goal; Although, as I have said before, it is possible that before the eccentricities during the Feast of the Fools, the Church would join both festivities to try to control (you know, who wants to overflow in the celebration of the Day when Herod killed so many innocent!)
I can only remember that a day like today we should all know how to laugh at ourselves, and also not joking with others.
