Consecrating a standard

[scotti73]

We have a new standard. I would like to as part of our next event conduct a ceromony to consecrate the standard any ideas...........

[M. Demetrius]

Well, we Marines used a bottle of champagne--very bubbly!

[attachment=7584]Thosebubblesstingintheeyes.jpg[/attachment]

[Quintius Clavus]

Oil like that used by the Catholic Church played a big role in consecrating. The Church got the idea of using oil for sacred purposes from the pre-Christian religious practices around them. Most ancient religions, especially in the Mediterranean region, used sacred oils in one or more ways. A small amount to anoint the standard and someone to say words of dedication to the Genius of the Century would do at minimum. I'm not sure whether the Romans recognized a genius of the cohort. As auxiliaries, making a prayer of dedication to your own native gods would also be perfectly appropriate in a Roman context. A small amount of olive oil, very common in the Roman army, would serve the purpose. You could also use a little wine or beer (ale - as I don't believe they used hops in brewing, yet) to anoint the standard, in addition to the oil.

[Paul Elliott]

Maybe rewrite the sacramentum a bit and have the soldiers swear their oath to the emperor and the standard. its quoted in Southern and Dixon, Late Roman Army, but I cant remember the source. That would be good.

[Paul Elliott]

Scatter wheat or barley grains, a sprinkle of red wine at the base then tie some roses or flowers to the standard.

[scotti73]

Thanks you gentlemen

[Paul Elliott]

The sacramentum is given in: Vegetius 2.5. Just rewrite a little bit ...

[Semisalis Abruna]

The sacramentum is given in: Vegetius 2.5. Just rewrite a little bit ...

Exactly what we did with our Draco - along with scented oil, wine & incense.