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Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Jun 24
The feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist was originally associated with the Epiphany, but its observance was moved to June 24 in the west and June 25 in the east. This feast is celebrated about six months before Christmas, as Elizabeth was in the sixth month of her pregnancy at the time of Jesus’ conception.
Religious/ Ethnic Group: Christian/Catholic
Traditions/ Practices: The Nativity of John the Baptist is one of the oldest festivals of the Christian church, being listed by the Council of Agde in 506 as one of the region’s principal festivals, where it was a day of rest and, like Christmas, was celebrated with three Messes: a vigil, at dawn and at midday.