These vigils are further distinguished as privileged and unprivileged.
The oldest of the vigils is that of Easter Eve, those of Pentecost and Christmas being instituted somewhat later.
The abuses connected with nocturnal vigils 1 led to their being attacked, especially by Vigilentius of Barcelona (c. 400), against whom Jerome fulminated in this as in other matters.
The custom, however, increased, vigils being instituted for the other festivals, including those of saints.
The other vigils are recognized in the calendar (including those of the saints) and the rubric directs that "the collect appointed for any Holy-day that hath a Vigil or Eve, shall be said at the Evening Service next before."
