Feast of the Ass

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Feast of what?!

Yes, you read it right, it’s the Feast of the Ass, also known as Festum Asinorum or the Fête de l’âne.
This medieval Christian feast is dedicated to the noble and trusty four-legged creatures that have been by our side through thick and thin. They even carried the holy family from Bethlehem to Egypt.
While the feast may have started as a by-product of the Feast of Fools, it is now a celebration of the role of donkeys in the Bible and in history.

No, not that ass.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that this holiday was not originally made for making immature jokes about donkeys.
Instead, it’s a time to appreciate these hardworking and often overlooked animals, who have been our faithful companions and assistants for centuries.
So, no infantile jokes inside the church (They probably heard all of them at least a thousand times anyway) and definitely no twerking until you are at home!

How it began.

The Feast of the Ass originated from the biblical story of the Flight into Egypt, where Mary and Joseph, along with baby Jesus, traveled to Egypt on the back of a donkey.
This celebration was originally observed primarily in France as a by-product of the Feast of Fools, which celebrated all the donkey-related stories in the Bible.
But why focus solely on the donkey?
Because it turns out that donkeys played a significant role in many biblical stories, including the famous one where Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, which is now celebrated as Palm Sunday.

Donkeys, or “asses” as they’re sometimes called (let’s try to steer clear of any infantile jokes, folks!),  have been used as beasts of burden since ancient times, carrying heavy loads, plowing fields, and serving as pack animals.
They are known for their strong work ethic, intelligence, and friendly temper.
Donkeys are also incredibly adaptable, capable of thriving in a variety of environments, from the scorching deserts of the Middle East to the chilly mountains of North America.
In addition to their practical uses, donkeys have also been celebrated for their symbolism throughout history.
In the Bible, the donkey is often seen as a symbol of humility and obedience, and it’s no coincidence that Mary and Joseph chose this humble animal as their mode of transportation for their flight into Egypt.

Donkeys are cool!

Beyond their practical uses, donkeys also have a unique personality that sets them apart from other animals.
They are curious, independent, and have a stubborn streak that can sometimes get them into trouble, but also makes them endearing.
Plus, their cute, floppy ears and big, gentle eyes are enough to make anyone smile.

So, why celebrate the Feast of the Ass? Because donkeys are cool!
They are hard-working, resilient, and loyal creatures that have helped humans in countless ways throughout history. Whether it’s carrying heavy loads, plowing fields, or serving as faithful companions, donkeys have always been there to lend a helping hoof.

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Feast of the Ass is a quirky and entertaining way to celebrate these hardworking and often overlooked animals. and embrace your inner donkey-lover.
Just remember, even though the name of this feast day may be a bit, well, ass-tounding, this is a family-friendly celebration, so be careful about making any infantile jokes about donkeys.
Don’t be a donkey, hoof it up and give the donkeys the recognition they deserve!
Happy Feast of the Ass!