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Ceremony of the Blessing of the Sea, at Ostend, 1854. Creator: Unknown
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Ceremony of the Blessing of the Sea, at Ostend, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Ceremony of the Blessing of the Sea, at Ostend [in Belgium], 1854....the annual ceremony of Blessing the Sea...is usually performed on St. Peter's-day...the procession started from the church to make its tour of the town, offering prayers at divers altars, erected (temporarily) at different points on its route. The procession was very long, representing the history of Our Saviour, St. John, the Virgin Mary, &c.; the whole being followed up by the priest, bearing the Host under a canopy. Arrived at the ramparts, the priest left the procession, and, with a few others, ascended them, mounted an altar put up for the occasion, and, after a few prayers, faced the sea, and gave it his benediction, amidst a salute of 21 guns...The Sketch represents the elevation of the Host at the time of the Benediction'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Media ID 36229287
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Armaments Belgian Benediction Blessing Cannon Ceremonial Ceremony City Walls Crowds Fort Incense Military Band Ostend Belgium Ostende Belgium Priest Rampart Ramparts Roman Catholics Superstition Town Wall Walled City Walled Town Walls Windmill Fortifications Roman Catholicism
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print, titled "Ceremony of the Blessing of the Sea, at Ostend, 1854," showcases an intriguing moment in the rich maritime history of Ostend, Belgium. The annual ceremony of Blessing the Sea, a deeply rooted tradition in the region, is typically performed on St. Peter's day. The procession, which is depicted in this image, began at the local church and made its way through the town, stopping at various temporary altars erected at significant points along the route. The procession was a grand spectacle, featuring representations of the history of Our Saviour, St. John, the Virgin Mary, and other religious figures. Following the procession, the priest, accompanied by a few others, ascended the ramparts and mounted an altar put up for the occasion. After offering a few prayers, the priest faced the sea and granted it his blessing, signified by the elevation of the Host, amidst a salute of 21 guns. The image captures this moment of elevation, with the priest and his companions standing against the backdrop of the town walls, fortifications, and military presence. The crowd of onlookers, including men and women, gathered below, observing the ceremony with reverence. The military band in the foreground adds an air of solemnity and importance to the occasion. This photograph print, published in the "Illustrated London News" in 1854, offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious, military, and cultural aspects of Ostend during the 19th century. The image is filled with intriguing details, such as the temporary banners, the cannon on the ramparts, the incense being burned, and even a windmill in the distance. This photograph print is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the deep connection between the people of Ostend and the sea.
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