PROCESSIONS, as solemn and religious rites, are of very great antiquity. With the Greeks and Romans, they took place chiefly on the festivals of Diana, Bacchus, Ceres, and other deities; also before the beginning of the games in the circus; and in spring when the fields were sprinkled with holy water to increase their fertility. The priests used to head them, carrying images of the gods and goddesses to be propitiated, and either started from certain temples or from the capitol. Among the Jews, certain pro cessions around the altar were (and still are to a certain extent) usual on the feast of tab ernacles; and from them the Mohammedans have adopted their mode of encompassing the sanctuary seven times at Mecca (q.v.). Processions form a prominent part of the Buddhist worship. The practice was early adopted in the Christian church. The refor mation abolished it; and even in the Roman Catholic church, especially in mixed coun tries, processions are less frequent or popular now than in former years. They arc there
either supplicatory processions, and are either directed to a certain distant place, to some miraculous image or object, or they are confined to the streets of the cities and the churches. Banners, crosses, and images are generally carried in front; the clergy fol low; and the people make up the rear, singing hymns or reciting prayers. In some Prot estant states, they are still permitted under certain restrictions. There is no doubt that, whatever their general intrinsic value, they offer in many instances one of the most strik ingly picturesque features of the Roman faith, and that they answer a certain instinc tive want in the multitude. For extensive pilgrimages, as such, their history and rites, we refer to PILGRIM, MECCA, FESTIVALS, etc.