From: [log in to unmask]
Date sent: Fri, 8 Nov 1996 13:06:13 -0600
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: processional traditions
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I'm trying to gather information about traditions of processing at
Candlemass
(Feb 2nd), usually two by two, holding candles. Bernard of Clairvaux in his
Sermon II on the Purification points out that 'we' (Cistercians presumably)
process in reverse order of seniority, so that the last are first and the
first
last, as a lesson in humility. Do other orders or communities process as it
were backwards too? Does anyone know of other precise references to
Candlemass
practices - I have Ludolph of Saxony, MVC and related texts, Purification
plays,
and various mystics. Am I missing anything obvious? thanks for any help
Carolyne
Dr Carolyne Larrington
32 Gt. Clarendon St
Oxford OX2 6AT
Great Britain
tel / fax +44 (0)1865 557775
Surely this is normal practice? If you look at most church processions you will
see that the senior figures come last. Whatever Bernard said about humility,
surely the main reason is to enhance the significance of the people at the end,
for dramatic purposes.
Julia Barrow
University of Nottingham
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