Consecrating a standard

[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.