The label of Glenfiddich features a
stag because this scotch is “distilled and matured in the valley of the deer.” The label of Jagermeister features
the stag of St. Hubert with the crucifix.
October 3: Feast of St.
Hubert – Patron Saint of Hunters & Hydrophobia
Late in the eighth century, so runs the story, a hunter named Hubert, neither better nor worse than he should have been, was tracking a stag through the forest of the Ardennes. As he readied himself to shoot the animal with his arrow, he was startled when the stag turned suddenly in its flight, and he saw between its antlers a luminous cross. This experience caused Hubert to change his way of life, and he never hunted again. Yet only a few centuries later he was known as the patron of hunters, and is a saint greatly honored in France and Belgium.
Late in the eighth century, so runs the story, a hunter named Hubert, neither better nor worse than he should have been, was tracking a stag through the forest of the Ardennes. As he readied himself to shoot the animal with his arrow, he was startled when the stag turned suddenly in its flight, and he saw between its antlers a luminous cross. This experience caused Hubert to change his way of life, and he never hunted again. Yet only a few centuries later he was known as the patron of hunters, and is a saint greatly honored in France and Belgium.
Saint Hubert lived a full life. He
became bishop of Tongres and traveled through his huge diocese on horseback and
by boat, preaching and building churches to the glory of God. He was the friend
of the great of his day — Pepin of Heristal and Charles Martel among them — and
also of the poor. In particular his heart went out to prisoners, and he would
secretly place food for them before their dungeon windows. As he died he said
to those about him, "Stretch the pallium over my mouth for I am now going to
give back to God the soul I received from Him."
In parts of France and Belgium
there has long been a custom of holding stag hunts on Saint Hubert's Day, and
the hunters gather before the chase for Mass and the blessing of men and horses
and dogs. After the hunt is over, those taking part gather for a bountiful
breakfast consisting of fish, meat, salad, cheese, and dessert. Naturally the
meat is venison of some sort, and the salad may well be one of dandelion
greens.
Excerpted from Feast Day
Cookbook
Patron: Archers;
dog bite; dogs; forest workers; furriers; hunters; hunting; huntsmen;
hydrophobia; liege, Belgium; machinists; mad dogs; mathematicians; metal
workers; precision instrument makers; rabies; smelters; trappers.
Symbols: Bishop
celebrating Mass as an angel brings him a scroll; bishop with a hound and
hunting horn; bishop with a stag with a crucifix; huntsman adoring a stag with
a crucifix in its antlers; kneeling before a stag as an angel brings him a
stole; kneeling in prayer, a hound before him and often with hunting gear
nearby; knight with a banner showing the stag's head and crucifix; stag; stag
with a crucifix over its head; young courtier with two hounds.
Things to Do:
- Have roast venison in honor of
St. Hubert, patron of hunters.
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