The Holy Innocents are the children slain by Herod when the wise men did not return to Jerusalem (Matthew 2:16-18). Realistically the number of children killed was probably less than 30 but the numbers became quite inflated in the traditions, which was possibly done to reflect the horror of the event. The day is spent reflecting on the preciousness of childhood.
Tradition in the Western Church
There is no official number in the Catholic tradition given for the number of children killed by Herod, although in the medieval period the number was inflated to 144,000. Celebrated on December 28 the day is also called childermas.
Tradition in the Eastern Church
In the Greek tradition the number of children killed in Bethlehem and surrounding area was 14,000, these are considered to be the first martyrs for Christ. They are considered saints, even though they weren’t followers of Christ, because they died during their age of innocence. The day this event is memorialized in the eastern church is December 29.
Family Activities
- In recognition of the preciousness of the lives of our children, give a patriarchal blessing to the children in your family on this day.
- Have the young children in your home be the leader for the day. Let them pick the activities, foods, prayers, and songs etc.
- With older children you may find it appropriate to spend time discussing issues such as abortion, child exploitation, and what we as followers of Christ can do to aid those who are the most vulnerable. Some suggestions are: find ways to support foster parents, organize a fundraiser for a family trying to adopt, discuss lifestyle changes you can make to not support overseas sweatshops.
- Make Blanc Mange, a milk pudding with strawberry or cherry sauce, for dessert.
Discovering the Saints 
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