If your time machine is itching for a detour into London’s ecclesiastical past, then set the dial for February 3rd and prepare to experience the Feast of St. Blaise. This annual event, steeped in history and devotion, is a unique blend of faith, folklore, and community spirit. From blessing throats to lighting candles, the day honours St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr renowned for his miraculous healing powers. Let’s delve into the story of this intriguing celebration—no time travel neck ailments required.
Who Was St. Blaise?
St. Blaise was a bishop in Sebastea (modern-day Turkey) who lived during the early 4th century. Known for his healing miracles, St. Blaise’s most famous act involved saving a boy choking on a fishbone. This feat cemented his reputation as the patron saint of throat ailments. However, his life wasn’t all miracles and fishbones; he met a martyr’s death during Roman persecution, securing his place in the pantheon of venerated saints.
The Feast Day Traditions in London
The Feast of St. Blaise is celebrated every February 3rd with rituals that highlight his association with healing and protection. In London, the celebration often centers on historic churches such as St. Etheldreda’s in Holborn, where centuries-old customs come to life.
- Blessing of the Throats:
- This unique ritual involves priests crossing two unlit candles near the throats of participants while reciting a prayer for health and protection. It’s a symbolic nod to St. Blaise’s miraculous intervention for the choking boy.
- Candle Ceremonies:
- Candles play a significant role in the feast, symbolizing light, faith, and healing. In medieval times, blessed candles were kept at home to ward off illness and protect against storms.
- Community Gatherings:
- The day often includes Mass, communal prayers, and festive gatherings where locals celebrate their shared heritage and devotion.
The Feast’s Historical Roots
- Medieval England:
- The veneration of St. Blaise became widespread in England during the Middle Ages. His feast day was marked by fairs, processions, and candle blessings, making it both a spiritual and social occasion.
- The Wool Connection:
- St. Blaise is also the patron saint of wool combers, a nod to his role in protecting livelihoods. In medieval England, this made his feast especially important in towns involved in the wool trade.
- Modern Observance:
- While some aspects of the feast have faded, churches like St. Etheldreda’s have kept the tradition alive, offering a glimpse into London’s rich spiritual history.
Why Attend the Feast of St. Blaise?
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or someone with a nagging sore throat, the Feast of St. Blaise offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to:
- Experience Living History: Participate in rituals that date back centuries and connect with London’s medieval past.
- Celebrate Community: Join locals in a day of faith, fellowship, and festivities.
- Explore Unique Customs: From candle blessings to prayers for health, the feast is a fascinating blend of sacred and secular traditions.
Did You Know?
- A Woolly Patronage: St. Blaise’s connection to wool combers may have originated from a legend involving his use of wool to heal wounds.
- A Global Celebration: While the feast is popular in England, it’s also celebrated in parts of Europe, particularly in France and Italy, where St. Blaise is equally revered.
- The Longest Candle: In medieval times, some households kept a single blessed candle burning for days after the feast to ensure year-round protection.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Dress for the Occasion: Bring a scarf and bundle up—it’s February in London, after all.
- Bring a Candle: Participate fully by having your candle blessed. Who knows? It might come in handy during your next time-travel power outage.
- Stay for the Stories: Locals and priests often share tales of St. Blaise’s miracles, adding depth and colour to the event.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of the Feast of St. Blaise and its traditions, these resources are a great starting point:
- Books:
- The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine (a classic hagiography featuring St. Blaise)
- London’s Parish Churches by John Betjeman
- Websites:
- Catholic Online: St. Blaise (www.catholic.org)
- St. Etheldreda’s Church (www.stetheldreda.com)
- Articles:
- Healing Saints of the Middle Ages in History Today
- The Rituals of Candlemas and St. Blaise on BBC History Extra
Whether you’re seeking a spiritual balm, a history lesson, or just an excuse to light a candle, the Feast of St. Blaise is a luminous celebration that’s stood the test of time. So, travel back to Holborn, immerse yourself in the ritual, and let the light of St. Blaise brighten your historical journey.
