Processional Cross in Late Medieval England

About this book

"Tracing the form of the processional cross back to specific ceremonies of the sixth-century Byzantine world, Colum Hourihane shows that they had become 'dailye crosses' by the later Middle Ages, objects indispensable to everyday religions observance. Core to the book is a history of the procession itself, which was an occasion for clergy and public to join together in a festive community event. Large and well-supported, processions accompanied the celebration of saints linked to the parish or the definition of parish boundaries, while others were associated with membership of a professional organization or religious fraternity." "As well as recreating this lost world of processions, with all their music, banners and colourful vestments, Colum Hourihane's book also catalogues all the crosses currently knows to exist in England, whether in museums, priories or parish churches; from the plainest examples to those that represent craftsmanship and art of the highest order."--BOOK JACKET.