Eureka Reporter | 1905-03-31 | Page 3 | Quaint Old Church Ceremony

QUAINT OLD CHURCH CEREMONY blessing the beasts an annual I 1 event in normandy one of the quaintest ceremonies v bich may still be seen in some parts 04 1 normandy is the benediction des bertiaux the oxen asses and a few thoroughbred horses which are raised in that part of france are assembled in front of the little church there may also be a bullock or two and some cows the procession of peas abts alts in their quaint costumes issues irom the church to the music of a chant which is droned by the priest and people the venerable cure sir sprinkles inkles a few drops on the heads of each of the beasts who receive it av a it Is given with a becoming air of conviction when all the animals bave received the benediction bundles t ed up in coarse linen are placed ac at the pedestal of the cross facing the church these packets contain bread and salt which are to be given to the animals not able to attend the ceremony there may be a couple oi of hundred peasants taking part in this ceremony and not a trace of lev ity or anything but devout composure ito be seen on their faces wh when e n the ceremony cei emony is completed the groces a on passes through the village chant ing and then disperses