Rogation days

Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity.

The word rogation comes from the latin verb ‘rogare’ which means to ask. This reflects the beseeching of God for the appeasement of his anger and for the protection from calamities - for example a poor harvest.

The Christian major rogation replaced a pagan Roman procession known as Robigalia where a dog was sacrificed to Robigus, the deity of Agricultural disease, to stop their crops getting wheat rust.

So -called major rogation is held on 25th April.The minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday before Ascension Thursday.

Rogation days date back to Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne in 470. who ordered
processions at the time of many volcanic eruptions.

Rogation Day ceremonies are thought to have arrived in the British Isles in the 7th century.

In the old Sarum texts (1173-1200) processions were initially led by a dragon representing Pontius Pilate who was followed by a lion, representing Jesus, followed by images of saints. In later processions the lion went first. Many heavy torches were present - bought jointly by the church and parishioners,

Beating the bounds happened in the Middle Ages. The procession used to move around the parish boundaries so the young people might know where they lay - this was before detailed maps. Sometimes important spots were impressed on the boys by bumping them on the ground or beating them!

The practice of beating the bounds has continued in a few places to the present day, simply as an old custom.

Rogation Days are observed in the Roman Catholic church with processions and the Litany of the Saints,

Sources used
The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander
Wikipedia