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The Circumcision |
In Biblical tradition, every male child was formally named and circumcised on the eighth day after birth. In many societies circumcision is observed as a rite of passage. In Judaism—where ritual circumcision is known as berith or bris—it is said to be the sign of the covenant established between God and Abraham: “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” (Gen 17:10)
Jesus, too, was circumcised according to Jewish law: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” (Luke 2:21)
Christians observing this festival celebrate his name-giving as well as Jesus’ keeping of the Law through submission to the ritual. His circumcision is also traditionally seen as a first shedding of blood, an event foreshadowing his sacrifice on the cross.