Christmas is not the only ancient religious ritual observed in Honolulu. A yearly tradition observed here and in many states as legislatures open — as ours did Wednesday — is the “Red Mass,” which was held the day prior at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral.

It’s treated as a prayer service for the benefit of public servants charged with the wise leadership of the community. But it originated in Europe a millennium ago to open the courts’ term.

Red matched the judges’ robes, and in the Catholic Church also signified the symbolic red color of the Holy Spirit.

Government rarely seems divinely inspired, but that could be why they pray.