Feast of Wonders
Religious and pagan ceremony in Lyon / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Feast of Wonders or Feast of Miracles is both a religious and pagan ceremony that took place in Lyon on the banks of the Saône during part of the Middle Ages. It is inextricably linked with Saint Pothin's Day, a day of homage to the martyrs of Lyon in 177.
Celebrations associated with Wonders are attested from the middle of the ninth century to the end of the fourteenth century. A few details are known about religious solemnities, but none about secular festivities. Organized by Lyon's main churches, they consisted of a procession from the primatial church of Saint-Jean through the city, stopping for mass at sites dedicated to the martyrs. The unchanging route ran up the banks of the Saône, from Saint-Jean to Vaise, then down on several boats according to a codified ritual to Ainay, and ended on foot at Saint-Nizier church.
The high cost of the festival in times of war and famine, as well as political conflicts, led to its discontinuation in 1394. Several authors subsequently contributed to the many legends surrounding the festival, which lasted until the end of the 20th century. The historiographical work of Marie-Claude Guigue (collection of historical documents) and Jacques Rossiaud has helped to re-establish the facts.