Pageants and Poetry: Reconstructing the 17th-Century Feast Days of St. Paul's College | Ruins of St. Paul's Macao

### Pageants and Poetry: Reconstructing the 17th-Century Feast Days of St. Paul's College #### Introduction In the heart of Macau, where the ruins of St. Paul's College stand as a testament to the city's rich history, lies a fascinating tale of pageantry and poetry. This blog post delves into the vibrant celebrations of the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, a significant event in the 17th-century calendar of St. Paul's College. Through archival letters and multilingual poetry recitations, we will reconstruct the elaborate outdoor pageants, festive banquets, and cultural exchanges that united the whole colony. #### The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus was a significant event in the Catholic calendar, commemorating the name of Jesus Christ. At St. Paul's College, this feast day was celebrated with great pomp and circumstance. The festivities began with a grand procession, led by the college's clergy and students, through the streets of Macau. The procession was accompanied by music, singing, and the recitation of poetry in Latin, Portuguese, and Chinese. #### Outdoor Pageants The outdoor pageants were a highlight of the feast day celebrations. The college's students and faculty would create elaborate floats, decorated with flowers, fruits, and other ornaments. These floats would be carried through the streets, accompanied by music and poetry recitations. The pageants were a showcase of the college's cultural diversity, with participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds coming together to celebrate the feast day. #### Multilingual Poetry Recitations Poetry recitations played a significant role in the feast day celebrations. The college's students and faculty would recite poems in Latin, Portuguese, and Chinese, showcasing their linguistic and cultural skills. These recitations were not only a form of entertainment but also a way to promote cultural understanding and exchange. #### Festive Banquets The feast day celebrations culminated in festive banquets, where the college's community would come together to share food and drink. These banquets were a time for socializing, networking, and cultural exchange. The menu would feature a variety of dishes, including traditional Macanese cuisine, as well as dishes from other parts of the world. #### Conclusion The feast day celebrations at St. Paul's College in the 17th century were a time of great cultural exchange and understanding. Through the reconstruction of these events, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity and richness of Macau's history. The pageants, poetry recitations, and festive banquets that took place during this time period are a testament to the city's ability to bring people together through shared cultural experiences. #### References * [1] Archivo Histórico de Macau (AHM). (n.d.). _Cartas de Macau_. Macau: AHM. * [2] Sousa, J. (1670). _Carta a D. Francisco Mascarenhas_. Macau: AHM. * [3] _Poemas de Macau_. (n.d.). Macau: AHM.

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The 17th-century feast days of St. Paul's College in Macau were characterized by elaborate outdoor pageants, multilingual poetry recitations, and festive banquets. The college's students and faculty would create floats decorated with flowers, fruits, and other ornaments, which would be carried through the streets accompanied by music and poetry recitations. Poetry recitations played a significant role in the feast day celebrations, with participants reciting poems in Latin, Portuguese, and Chinese. The feast day celebrations culminated in festive banquets, where the college's community would come together to share food and drink. The menu would feature a variety of dishes, including traditional Macanese cuisine, as well as dishes from other parts of the world. The feast day celebrations at St. Paul's College in the 17th century were a time of great cultural exchange and understanding.