Saint Bartholomew's Day, observed on August 24, commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, he was flayed alive and then beheaded for his faith, symbolizing the sacrifices made by early Christians. The day is also historically significant due to the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572, when thousands of Huguenots, or French Protestants, were killed in Paris during the French Wars of Religion. This event marked a turning point in the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in France, leading to further violence and persecution.