1 Maccabees 7:47-49

Revised Standard Version

⁴⁷ Then the Jews^[a] seized the spoils and the plunder, and they cut off Nica′nor’s head and the right hand which he had so arrogantly stretched out, and brought them and displayed them just outside Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ The people rejoiced greatly and celebrated that day as a day of great gladness. ⁴⁹ And they decreed that this day should be celebrated each year on the thirteenth day of Adar.