Pomp and pageantry are part of the culture here. Fronleichnalem (Corpus Christi) celebrated on Thursday involves flags, cannons, the band, and a procession. Planned with precision to rival the Queen's Jubilee, Simon had a strategy meeting with the vicar the day before. Later and by chance, Simon learnt that the vicar had neglected to mention that the centrepiece of the procession is a life-size statue of Mary decorated with flowers (traditionally carried by 6 virgins). The statue was hastily found, erected, decorated, and, as if by magic four strapping young lads turned up to carry it on the day (we didn't ask if they were virgins). A centuries old tradition lives on despite the fact that Simon is Mesner. If the Madonna had not been present for the procession it would have been akin to forgetting to put the Queen on the balcony for the Jubilee.
4 - 10 June 2012
Pomp and pageantry are part of the culture here. Fronleichnalem (Corpus Christi) celebrated on Thursday involves flags, cannons, the band, and a procession. Planned with precision to rival the Queen's Jubilee, Simon had a strategy meeting with the vicar the day before. Later and by chance, Simon learnt that the vicar had neglected to mention that the centrepiece of the procession is a life-size statue of Mary decorated with flowers (traditionally carried by 6 virgins). The statue was hastily found, erected, decorated, and, as if by magic four strapping young lads turned up to carry it on the day (we didn't ask if they were virgins). A centuries old tradition lives on despite the fact that Simon is Mesner. If the Madonna had not been present for the procession it would have been akin to forgetting to put the Queen on the balcony for the Jubilee.
