Step Into History: Renaissance Parade Brings Bell Ringers to Hradec Králové
On Thursday, August 28, which is the day of the Feast of St. Augustine, a special event known as Bell Ringers’ Day takes place in Hradec Králové. Bell ringers from various places in the Czech Republic will come together in this East Bohemian city to share their stories and experiences. The day features a Bell Ringers’ Ceremony, traditionally celebrated just before the ceremonial ringing of the Augustin bell in the White Tower.
The ceremony will include a parade of bell ringers dressed in historical costumes, starting at 5:00 p.m. from the U Špuláků house on Velké náměstí and moving towards the White Tower. During the ceremony beneath the tower, the bell-ringer will receive permission to ring the bell and conduct a final rehearsal. This will also involve drinking glasses of milk, wine, water, and beer. After successfully completing the ceremony, the person will be officially named the new bell-ringer of the Augustin bell in front of the guild’s weathervane and distinctive staff. Then, at 6:00 p.m., the ceremonial ringing of the bell will begin. This ceremony celebrates the anniversary of the bell’s casting by master Ondřej Žáček in 1509 and its restoration in 2008.
Who was St. Augustine?
The third largest bell in the country, known as Hradec Králové Augustin, is named after St. Augustine. He is recognized as a saint, a Church teacher, and a patron of theologians, printers, and brewers. St. Augustine originated from North Africa, in what is now known as Algeria. He was born in 354 as Roman citizen Aurelius Augustinus in Tagaste. His father, Patrucius, was a patrician, a high-ranking official in the Roman government, while his mother was a devoted Christian named Saint Monica. In his early years, he lived a life of luxury and idleness, enjoying wine, indulgence, and various vices (even minor thefts). After completing his studies, he became a professor of literature and rhetoric. It wasn’t until he was 33 years old that he changed his ways, becoming a Christian in Milan.
Through Christianity, he found meaning and organization in his life. After his conversion, he returned to his homeland and led a life focused on penitence, producing a significant amount of work that influenced Christian theology and philosophy for hundreds of years. For a long time, no theologian could rival Augustine until the 13th century. His writings, especially those created for the women’s monastery at Hippo, led to the establishment of many Augustinian communities over time. He was also recognized for being a skilled and talented speaker. Augustine served as the bishop of Hippo Regio (now known as Annaba), where he passed away at the age of 75 on August 28, 430, during a year-long siege by the Vandals. His remains lie in the cathedral in Pavia, near Milan.
