St. John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod because he had denounced Herod’s marriage to Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip. Herodias’ daughter by a former marriage, by legend called Salome, pleased Herod so much with her dancing that he swore to give her whatever she wanted. At her mother’s urging she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist has been celebrated by Christians since the fourth century. The observance started at Sebaste (Samaria), where the Baptist was believed to have been buried. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary