Celebrating and Reclaiming:
Feast of the Ass
Happy Feast of the Ass to all who celebrate!
The Feast of the Ass is celebrated every year on January 14. Falling between New Year’s Eve and St. Valentine’s Day, this special holiday has the power to brighten our spirits at the darkest time of the year!
What Is the Feast of the Ass?
The Feast of the Ass is a traditional Catholic holiday with roots in the Middle Ages. It was originally created to honor the humble donkey’s role in biblical stories, such as carrying Mary to Bethlehem and aiding in the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. It was part of the broader “Feast of Fools” celebrations, which were known for their playful and unconventional nature.
Historically celebrated on January 14th, this cheeky holiday highlighted the often-overlooked importance of the donkey in sacred narratives. While it was once a sanctioned celebration, its less serious tone eventually led to the Church phasing it out. Today, it’s more of a historical curiosity—one that we’re now reviving in an effort to give the ass the attention it deserves.
Learn more on the Savage Lovecast
Feast of the Ass Traditions
- Parading the Donkey: A live donkey would sometimes be brought into a church to represent the one that carried Mary to Bethlehem or helped during the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt.
- Special Hymns: Songs and hymns were sung in honor of the donkey. One such hymn, Orientis Partibus, praised the donkey’s role with lyrics that were both devotional and humorous.
- Clerical Role Reversal: Similar to other Feast of Fools events, roles were sometimes reversed, with junior clergy or laypeople performing parodied versions of religious ceremonies.
Why Reclaim the Feast of the Ass?
Let’s be honest—this holiday’s name is just begging for a rebrand. We saw an opportunity to take something obscure and outdated and turn it into a celebration of playfulness and self-expression.
How Can I Celebrate?
- Merch Alert: Wear your pride with exclusive Feast of the Ass merch: SHOP
- Make a Glazed Bundt Cake: The official food on this blessed holiday celebration.
- Join the Conversation: Subscribe to the pod or join Dan on social media to follow along with January’s celebration.
Help spread the word about the Feast of the Ass by proudly wearing or gifting these beautiful Feast of the Ass hats and t-shirts! Get a hat or a t-shirt (or both!) for yourself or gift a hat or a t-shirt (or both!) to your favorite feasters!
Let’s make this year’s Feast of the Ass the most joyous Feast of the Ass ever!
FAQ
What date is the Feast of the Ass?
Traditionally celebrated on January 14th, but feel free to honor it year-round!
Is this holiday a joke?
Not entirely—it’s a real historical holiday that we’ve decided to take for ourselves.
Who is the Feast of the Ass mascot?
That’s Buddy, the official donkey of the Feast of Ass.
Where can I find Feast of the Ass merch?
You can find Feast of the Ass merch at Savage.Love/Shop
