St. Nicholas Day and Boy Bishops

On December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra, it was common throughout England and on the Continent during the Middle Ages that a Boy Bishop would be chosen at the monasteries and cathedral schools from among the boys in the choir or school. He would be vested as a bishop, lead a procession and bless the people on St. Nicholas's Day. The boy bishop remained in office until the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28--of course, he did not celebrate any sacramental rites during this time.

This was a very popular custom representing a change in order: the real Bishop stepped down in humility while the young boy stepped up from his lowliness. This quotes Mary's Magnificat: "He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek." It was common that the Boy Bishop would distribute treats and declare holidays.

Henry VIII abolished the practice in 1542; Mary revived it during her reign and Elizabeth abolished it again--more about the tradition and its current status here.