In a world that sparkles with Christmas cheer, have you ever wondered why the 14th of September breezes by without much fanfare? Let me introduce you to a largely overlooked celebration known as Roodmas. Originating from the Old English 'Rood' meaning 'cross,' and 'mas' meaning feast, Roodmas stands for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This holiday is marked on September 14th, celebrating the Christian tradition of the cross on which Christ was crucified. It's as old as the hills, deeply embedded in Christian history, yet somehow it has been sidelined in modern discourse.
Roodmas is unique in its depth. It commemorates the events related to the cross, primarily its discovery by Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, in Jerusalem in the year AD 326. Helena was a woman who knew what she wanted and went out to find it—the relics of the true cross. Her journey led to the discovery of the cross and firmly placed its significance into the annals of Christian tradition.
Now, why isn’t Roodmas as popular as Christmas or Easter? Simple. It requires a historical understanding and appreciation of Christian traditions that are rarely found in modern secular society. Celebrating Roodmas isn’t just about stuffing turkeys or buying chocolate eggs, and maybe that’s why it doesn’t get the hype it deserves. But for those who choose to honor this day, it’s a time for prayer, remembering sacrifice, and reflecting on the role of faith in our lives.
Still, Roodmas packs a proverbial punch for anyone interested in the intersection of history and religion. Back in the day, the festival equated to today's popular holidays, complete with processions and ceremonies. In medieval England, Roodmas was the day that market-goers would rely on to reset the debts incurred at medieval fairs, with the crosslooming large during such occasions as a constant reminder of moral and ethical obligations.
As with everything that challenges mainstream narratives today, Roodmas remains underappreciated. Visibility in today’s culture is all about what gets clicks and attention. It’s about trends that can be monetized or hashtags that go viral, but Roodmas doesn't fit that mold. It’s a day for genuine reflection. It urges us to pause, to question the depth of our beliefs and to celebrate a tradition that binds the Christian community together.
Religion has taken a backseat in today's cultural car, often abandoned for more showy destinations. However, Roodmas represents something remarkably significant—a time for recognizing Christian sacrifices and triumphs. The fact that it's not nestled among our everyday celebrations only makes it dearer to those who choose to stand by their convictions.
To truly celebrate Roodmas means acknowledging acts of faith and bravery, much like those demonstrated by Saint Helena. How many of today’s roles models can boast of such integrity and devotion? Reflecting on why this day is often ignored or cancelled reveals a deeper disconnect within a society that's increasingly secular but yearning for substantive connection.
Roodmas won’t give you the commercial glitz of red Santa suits or pastel Easter dresses, but it will provide something deeply enriching. Observing Roodmas offers a moment to honor the timeless values and steadfastness that have upheld Christianity through the ages and continue to do so. It’s a day that calls on us to question what kind of legacy we hope to leave behind—not one defined by fleeting fads and soundbites, but one solidly rooted in faith, history, and moral principles.