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Show ANIMALS AND NEW YEAR'S DAY Oxen, Cows, Sheep, Goats and Pigs Blessed In Churches of Italy, Spain and France. TN ITALY, Spain and France more Is made of New Year's day than Christmas and on St. Sylvester's eve as the last day of the year Is called the utmost Joyousness prevails. Even the animals are blessed in the churches. A rorrenoridopt who fittPded or" of these quaint ceremonies, writes: The priest lifted high the host and slid some words of benediction at which the people fell on their knees with a response. An acolyte with a holy-water sprinkler passed through the columns of animals deftly throwing throw-ing the sacred water upon them. The oxen and cows were thus blessed first, then the sheep and goats and lastly the pigs. A moon nearly full glittered high above the mountain stones and combined with the light from the candles can-dles revealed the long, polished horns and heaving sides ana sleek coats of the oxen and cows and the white woolly skins of the sheep. The acolyte passing among them, Incensed them and their bellowing, bleating and squealing arose to a tumult. But high above all, the voice of the priest was heard, as he chanted these words: "My children, God In his goodness sends me, his unworthy servant, here k bless your Cocks, according to nn indent custom of our mountains, go that these animals by whose aid yon live may Join In our religious ceremonies cere-monies which usher In the New Year. Let us then sing a loud hosimnn of praise to the ever-merciful Lord so lenient to sinners." |