338 



On the Consuetudinary of S. Osmund. 



processions formed in the ceremonial observances at Sarum. 1 No 

 less than twenty-three sections (§ 69 — 92) are on this subject, 

 minute directions being given for the special variations, or additions, 

 to be made on certain days or occasions. A brief account of one of 

 the simplest of these processions, that on the first Sunday in Advent, 

 may be given in illustration. First walked the sacristse (or virgers) ; 

 then the boy carrying the holy water, then the cross-bearer. Next 

 followed two acolytes abreast, then the thurifer, then the sub- 

 deacon, the deacon, the priest, who were tabled for the week; 

 then the junior canons, and after them the senior canons two and 

 two ; then the chief dignitaries, duly vested each one according to 

 the instructions, then the Bishop, in a silken cope with his mitre 

 and pastoral staff. The procession went out by the north door of 

 the presbytery, and proceeded right round the presbytery, the priest, 

 as they walked on, sprinkling the several altars ; then it advanced 

 down the south aisle as far as the font, and then, passing into the 

 nave, walked as far as the entrance to the choir, where a " station " 

 was made, the boy bearing the holy water and the acolyte standing 

 at the step before the cross (ad gradum ante crucem) , when the priest, 

 standing himself in the midst, having said the accustomed prayers, 

 they entered the choir. After that, the priest having, at the choir- 

 step, said the versicle and prayer appointed, he with his attendants 

 went through the south door into the cemetery of the canons, for 

 the purpose of aspersing it, and offering prayers for the departed. 



The procession, it will have been noticed, on the occasion described, 

 left the choir by the north presbytery door and turned to the right — 

 to the region of warmth, and light, and brightness — so that in re- 

 turning it might follow the sun's seeming path in the heavens. On 

 occasions of woe and sadness the usage was to turn to the left, 

 the side of gloom and darkness, to go, not along with, but against, 

 the sun. Thus of the monks of Winchester, in the Winton Annals, 

 it is said, that on one occasion of sadness, " processionem nudis 



1 This seems to be implied by the privilege given in § xv. of joining any 

 procession throughout the year, though, as regards other services and offices, the 

 limitations are very distinct. Thus we read " Quilibet autem processionem totius 

 anni intrare possunt." 



