Saint Agnes's Eve
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Saint Agnes's Eve: A Christian holy day observed on the evening of January 20th, preceding the feast day of Saint Agnes on January 21st. It is traditionally associated with rituals and folklore, particularly regarding dreams of future spouses.
Usage
- Noun:
- Poets have often written about the traditions of Saint Agnes's Eve.
- On Saint Agnes's Eve, some old customs involve fasting and performing rituals before bed.
Advanced Usage
- Literary Reference: The term is famously used as the title and setting for John Keats's narrative poem "The Eve of Saint Agnes," which explores themes of romance, dreams, and ritual.
- Keats's "The Eve of Saint Agnes" vividly depicts the medieval customs associated with the night.
Variants and Related Words
- St. Agnes's Day (Noun): The feast day itself, celebrated on January 21st.
- The church service for St. Agnes's Day is well attended.
Synonyms
- Vigil of Saint Agnes: A less common synonym referring to the eve of the feast.
Related Phrases
- Fast on St. Agnes's Fast: Refers to the traditional practice of fasting on this eve.
- According to folklore, one must fast on St. Agnes's Fast to have the prophetic dream.
Noun
- a Christian holy day