On Friday, May 3, the Day of the Holy Cross is commemorated in Mexico, a holiday of Christian origin that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ according to Catholic tradition.
This festival also coincides with the beginning of the rainy season, which is of great importance in agricultural cultures. It is not only about honoring the cross as a central symbol of Christianity, but it is also linked to the crops, the fertility of the soil, and the vitality and reproduction of the community. For this reason, it is one of the most prominent celebrations in all of Mexico.
What is the origin of Holy Cross Day?
According to history, this day is commemorated due to the discovery of the Holy Cross by the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine.
During a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem in the year 326 AD, it is said that she made some excavations on the Mount of Golgotha in search of the cross on which Christ had been crucified. After finding three crosses, she tested their authenticity by touching a seriously ill woman with each one successively. It was the third cross that miraculously healed her, thus confirming that it was the cross of Christ.
Since then, this historic event has been celebrated on May 3. The festivities included the reenactment of Empress Helena’s discovery of the cross, as well as a mass and the decoration and dancing around the cross.
Why is the Day of the Holy Cross related to bricklayers?
The Day of the Holy Cross has a special connection with bricklayers, since that day coincides with the Day of the Bricklayer.
This celebration has become the patron saint of bricklayers and construction workers.
It is believed that the Cross became the patron saint of bricklayers in Mexico, because it is common to place an ornate cross on buildings to ensure the success of the work.
During this day, workers attend a mass in the Catholic church, while at construction sites they celebrate with a meal, which, in most cases, is paid for by the person in charge of the work.
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