# Messages associated with assertions and other facets

In assertions, and on all elements representing facets (for example `pattern`), Saxon supports the attribute `saxon:message="message text"`. This message text is used in error messages when the assertion or facet is not satisfied.

For example:

      <xs:element name="date">
        <xs:simpleType>
           <xs:restriction base="xs:date" xmlns:saxon="http://saxon.sf.net/">
             <xs:assert test=". lt current-date()"
                        saxon:message="The date must not be in the future"/>
             <xs:pattern value="[^Z:]*"
                        saxon:message="The date must not have a timezone"/>
           </xs:restriction>
        </xs:simpleType>
      </xs:element>

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