The Circumcision

Christ was eight days old when he was circumcised and named as Jesus (Luke 2: 21). Although the description in the gospel does not specify the place, the event is usually depicted in the Temple. Painters generally illustrate Mary, Joseph, a priest and other attendants and acolytes in such scenes.

The shedding of Christ's blood in this manner is sometimes taken to prefigure his later sacrifice on the cross.