Feast of the Circumcision of Christ

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The Feast of the Circumcision of Christ is a Christian celebration of Jesus’ circumcision, which happened eight days after his birth, when he was given the name Jesus. This event is traditionally seen as the first shedding of Jesus’ blood and the start of the work of salvation, showing that he is fully human and that his family kept God’s law.

Dates and how it is observed vary by church. Eastern Orthodox, all Lutheran churches, and some Anglican churches mark the day on January 1. In the Roman Catholic Church, January 1 used to be called The Circumcision of the Lord and the Octave of the Nativity, but today it is mainly celebrated as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, with the Naming of Jesus sometimes included. In Byzantine and many Eastern churches, the day is tied to Christmas and the Naming of Jesus.

Because the feast falls on New Year’s Day in many places, many churches hold a Watchnight Mass that starts the night before and continues into the early hours of January 1.

In Russia, the day is often celebrated with a long All-Night Vigil, and afterward a New Year service blessing the year. On the Julian calendar, January 1 corresponds to January 14 on the Gregorian calendar, so this later date is sometimes called the Old New Year.

The naming of the day varies by tradition. Some churches call it the Circumcision of the Lord, others emphasize the Name of Jesus, such as “The Holy Name of Jesus” or “The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus.” The biblical basis is in Luke 2:21, which notes that Jesus was named on the eighth day.