Tails of Celebration: The Feast of Saint Hubert — Belgium's Timeless Blessing

Welcome back, fellow adventurers! We've journeyed through the heartfelt traditions of Mexico, where we learned that love and memory create a bridge for our cherished companions. Now, our path leads us to a land of timeless tales and kind-hearted saints, where we uncover a tradition that has been celebrated for over a thousand years!!!

Our destination is Belgium, where we will witness a festival that finds its roots in a powerful legend: the Feast of Saint Hubert.

A Kind Saint Who Protected Our Friends

The story begins in the 8th century with Hubert, a nobleman who was passionate about hunting. Legend says that on a solemn Good Friday, while hunting in the forest, Hubert encountered a magnificent stag. Suddenly, the animal turned to face him, and a luminous cross appeared between its antlers. This divine vision commanded Hubert to seek a more compassionate life, leading him to abandon his worldly pursuits. He became a bishop and dedicated his life to protecting and showing compassion for all living things. He is now known as a guardian of animals and a patron saint.

The Blessing of Our Best Friends

Today, the legacy of Saint Hubert lives on in a beautiful and spiritual ceremony. All across Belgium, on and around November 3rd, the Feast of Saint Hubert is celebrated.

Step into a town square on this day, and you'll find a sight that is both ancient and wonderfully modern. The air fills with the clanging of church bells and the melodious, deep tones of traditional hunting horns, sounds that have called people to this ceremony for centuries. People and their dogs gather in droves, creating a vibrant tapestry of fur, collars, and leashes that stretches as far as the eye can see.

This event is a testament to compassion and the deep, abiding bond we share with our animals. A central part of the festivities is the "Blessing of the Hounds," where countless dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds are brought to church to receive a special blessing. From the majestic Bloodhound to tiny rescue mutts and the family pet, every dog is here to be blessed. The scene is a beautiful mix of solemnity and joy.

A priest, in his robes, walks slowly through the crowd of wagging tails and expectant faces, offering a blessing for each animal's health and well-being. It is a powerful moment, showing a belief that our four-legged companions are a cherished part of our lives, worthy of receiving a sacred blessing. The celebration is a testament to the idea that love and respect for animals have been woven into the fabric of culture for centuries. It's in these moments that we see how a story from long ago can still inspire kindness and compassion today.

The Journey Continues...

Our journey through Mexico and now to Belgium has shown us how the spiritual and the practical can create a tapestry of deep respect for our companions. These are not just ancient stories; they are living traditions that celebrate the profound bond between humans and animals.

Whether you have a specific tradition in your culture or not, you are welcome to take part in this spirit of celebration. You can honor your Companions by attending a local "Blessing of the Animals" event in your community, or simply by giving your dog an extra-long walk and a special treat. Every act of gratitude, no matter how small, adds to the beauty of this global conversation.

Join us on our next adventure! We will journey to a land of ancient dynasties to learn about a mysterious festival. In this remote corner of the world, a dog is said to have saved an entire people, and on one day each year, they honor their four-legged hero in a way that will truly astound you.

We can't wait to see you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Feast of Saint Hubert? The Feast of Saint Hubert is a time-honored European tradition, primarily celebrated in Belgium, that honors Saint Hubert of Liège, the patron saint of dogs and animals. It is a spiritual celebration that has been taking place for over a thousand years.

What is the legend behind Saint Hubert? Legend states that the avid hunter Hubert encountered a stag with a luminous crucifix between its antlers. This divine vision led to his conversion, after which he dedicated his life to faith and protecting animals, earning his status as a patron saint.

Why are dogs blessed during this celebration? Dogs play a central role in the festivities due to Saint Hubert's status as their patron saint. The "Blessing of the Hounds" is a central, heartfelt ceremony where dogs are brought to churches to be blessed by a priest for their health, longevity, and well-being.

Where does this tradition take place? While the Feast of Saint Hubert is celebrated globally, it is most historically significant and visibly celebrated in Belgium and France on or around November 3rd.