Boy bishop facts for kids

Reputed tomb of a Boy bishop in Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire, England

The Boy Bishop was a fun tradition from the Middle Ages. During this time, a boy was chosen to act like an adult Bishop. This usually happened around Christmas, especially on Holy Innocents' Day (December 28). This custom was similar to other playful medieval festivals, like the Feast of Fools.

History of the Boy Bishop Tradition

19th-century depiction of a medieval boy bishop, attended by his canons

In England, the Boy Bishop was chosen on December 6. This day is the feast of Saint Nicholas, who is known as the patron saint of children. The boy's special role lasted until Holy Innocents' Day on December 28.

During the ceremony, the adult Bishop would symbolically step down. This was based on a line from a prayer called the Magnificat. Then, the boy would take his place, showing how the humble can be honored.

After being chosen, the boy would dress up in full bishop's clothes. He wore a special hat called a mitre and carried a staff called a crozier. Other boys dressed as priests would join him. Together, they would walk around the town, giving blessings to people.

The Boy Bishop and his helpers would even take over the cathedral. They would perform most of the church ceremonies and duties, except for Mass. This popular custom spread to many churches and towns.

Even though some church leaders tried to stop it, the tradition was very popular. In England, King Henry VIII ended it in 1542. Queen Mary I brought it back in 1552. But then, Queen Elizabeth I stopped it again for good. The tradition continued among some Germanans and is still celebrated in Spain today.

Modern Revivals of the Boy Bishop

The Boy Bishop tradition has been brought back in many places, especially in countries where English is spoken.

• In Hereford Cathedral in England, it was revived in 1973 for a special children's service. Since 1982, full traditional ceremonies have taken place every year. The Boy Bishop gives a sermon and leads prayers during Advent services.
• Another revival happened in 1959 at St George's Parish Church in Stockport, England.
• You can also find these ceremonies at Westminster Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. Many other churches across England, like All Saints' Church, Northampton, and St Christopher's Parish Church in Bournemouth, have also brought it back. In Bournemouth, the Boy Bishop was installed on July 25 and "reigned" for a year, preaching and leading youth events.
• The town of Alcester in Warwickshire celebrates "St Nicholas night" on December 6 with a Boy Bishop.

The tradition is still very popular in Burgos, Spain. The Boy Bishop feast is a big event for the cathedral choir. It was brought back in 1987 and is celebrated every year. Palencia also holds the ceremony. The tradition at the Monastery of Montserrat by L'Escolania is also well-known. The festival was also revived at Chavagnes International College, a Catholic boarding school in France.

In the United States, the custom was adopted in 1979. This happened at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York. It was part of an annual renaissance fair held at the church.

In a modern twist, in December 2009, a teenage girl from Wellingborough, England, was named Britain's First Girl Bishop. This happened at All Saints' Church in her town.

See also

In Spanish: Fiesta del obispillo para niños