Feast of the Ass Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Feast of the Ass Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Feast of the Ass Day is observed on January 14th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Feast of the Ass Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about Feast of the Ass Day.

📅 What day is Feast of the Ass Day 2024?

In 2024, Feast of the Ass Day is on Saturday, January 14th. It is the 2nd Saturday in January; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about January 14, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

The Feast of the Ass was a Christian celebration that started in medieval times and took place on January 14. It honored the Israelites’ voyage to Egypt and was primarily observed in France. This feast, also known as a variation of the Feast of Fools, commemorated biblical tales involving donkeys, particularly the one that carried the Holy Family to Egypt following the birth of Jesus.

📜 Feast of the Ass Day History

After the Catholic Church openly condemned it in the second half of the 15th century, the Feast of the Ass lost its popularity. Along with this, the Feast of Fools was also banned as both celebrations were seen as inappropriate, although the Feast of Fools was considered even more scandalous than the Feast of the Ass.

The Feast of the Ass was a commemoration of the donkeys mentioned in the Bible, particularly the one that is said to have carried Jesus and his family to Egypt after his birth, when they were fleeing from the killings ordered by Herod the Great. Another biblical account involving a donkey is Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It is also believed that a donkey was present in the stable where Jesus was born.

During the Feast of the Ass, a young girl would ride a donkey through the town, heading towards a church. As she passed through the streets, people would sing songs about her carrying a baby or being pregnant.

When the donkey reached the church, it would be given food and water and would be placed near the altar for the ceremony. The crowd would imitate the braying of the donkey, and sometimes even the priest would join in. The Feast of the Ass was particularly lively in the city of Beauvais in northern France.

✅ Feast of the Ass Day Facts

🔖 Efficient beasts
The donkey’s digestive system efficiently utilizes over 95% of the food it consumes.

🔖 Going the distance
The donkey’s journey through the desert covers a distance of approximately 60 kilometers.

🔖 Few and then far between
Donkeys come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from as small as 26 inches to as big as 68 inches.

👍 Why Is Feast of the Ass Day Important

We learn more about donkeys and their roles in popular Bible stories. Donkeys have an interesting history, and we celebrate their adaptability on this holiday.

We adore all types of animals. They contribute to making the world a more lovely place to live.

Donkeys were the Messiah’s preferred mode of transportation. That has to be worth something, right?

🙂 How To Observe Feast of the Ass Day

⚡ Play donkey-themed games
Having a great time during celebrations is completely possible. One idea is to plan fun activities related to donkeys, such as playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”

⚡ Ride a donkey
If you happen to own a donkey, why not take a ride to celebrate Feast of the Ass Day? As an alternative, you can also visit the zoo and observe a donkey in real life.

⚡ Read up on the holiday’s history
Grab a copy of the Bible and immerse yourself in the story firsthand. Explore the captivating account of “Flight to Egypt” and impress your friends with the newfound insights you’ve gained.

📅 When is Feast of the Ass Day?

See all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Feast of the Ass Day. So be sure to check back soon.