WORD SEARCH (Words to find are in italic in through the article) Rogation Sunday The first Sunday in May is Rogation Sunday. This is when many parishes still ‘beat the bounds’. Rogation means an asking of God - for blessing on the seed and land. The practice began with the Romans, who processed around the cornfields each Spring, singing and dancing, sacrificing animals, in order to get rid of evil. About 465 AD the Western world was suffering from earthquake and storm. Mamertius, Bishop of Vienne, aware of the pagan custom, ordered that prayers should be said in the ruined or neglected fields. Thus ‘beating the bounds’ became a Christian ceremonial. It arrived in England early in the eighth century. Each Spring, led by the priest, a little party from the parish would set out with a Cross to trace the boundaries of the parish. They’d implore God to keep their corn and roots and boughs in good health, and bring them to harvest. In the days when maps were scarce, ‘beating the bounds’ helped remind everyone just where the boundaries were. Do you know yours today? 22
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