Roodmas

Garofalo, Identificazione della vera croce, dettaglio pinacoteca nazionale, Ferrara

Roodmas is a lesser-known Christian feast day, which historically falls on May 3. It is also known as Holy Cross Day or Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross. This day commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, in the fourth century. Roodmas is an occasion for Christians to reflect on the cross as a symbol of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and its central place in Christian faith.

History

The origins of Roodmas trace back to the early 4th century when Saint Helena embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. According to tradition, she discovered the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The event is said to have occurred on May 3, 326. To commemorate this discovery, Constantine ordered the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which became the site for the annual celebration of the feast.

In the medieval period, Roodmas became associated with various customs and traditions across Christian Europe. It was marked by processions, the veneration of crosses, and other devotional practices. However, the significance and observance of Roodmas have varied greatly over time and between different Christian denominations.

Observance

In the Roman Catholic Church, the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross was merged with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, leading to a decline in the observance of Roodmas on May 3. The Eastern Orthodox Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches continue to celebrate the finding of the Cross on March 6. Meanwhile, certain Anglican and Lutheran communities may observe Roodmas as part of their liturgical calendar, though it is not universally recognized across all branches of Protestantism.

Cultural Impact

Roodmas has influenced various cultural practices and folklore in Christian societies. In some regions, it was customary to decorate crosses with flowers and to hold outdoor processions. These traditions reflect the broader human tendency to mark significant religious events with communal activities and symbols.

Modern Times

Today, the observance of Roodmas is relatively muted compared to other Christian feast days. Its recognition is mostly confined to liturgical calendars and church services. Despite this, Roodmas remains an important historical and theological point of reflection for many Christians, serving as a reminder of the cross's significance in Christian salvation history.

See Also

• Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
• Saint Helena
• True Cross
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre