To most Hopkins students, the exotic territories beyond the boundary of Homewood campus often bring up images of deserted streets, boarded-up homes and dark alleys. A Hopkins student's map of Baltimore typically contains two destinations: the cozy Homewood Campus and the Inner Harbor.
During Thanksgiving break, I tried something new. I ventured beyond that little map of Baltimore and experienced life in Baltimore County. Thanksgiving morning, I woke up early to go see what is traditionally known as the "Blessing of the Hounds."
Each Thanksgiving, it is a time-honored Maryland tradition to hold blessings of fox-hunters' hounds and horses. The blessing I witnessed was organized by the Green Spring Valley Hounds, a fox-hunting club established in 1892.
As I trekked down the country lane, warm rays of sun light squeezed through the tightly-knitted branches of the forest. A little creek ran parallel to the road. Occasionally, a few Northeastern Red Squirrels would peer at us curiously before returning to busily preparing for their upcoming hibernation. The cool autumn breeze pressed against us as we gaped at the wonders of nature. Suddenly, I was reminded of Rivendell, the mythical land where the Elves live in The Lord of the Rings.
Suddenly, I heard the clip-clapping sound of soft hooves. Down the country lane traveled a rank of swift hounds running towards their hunting ground. Immediately tailing the hounds were some 50 riders, galloping neatly. They were dressed in bright red scarlet coats and top hats, and wore shining boots, their presence majestic, their movements graceful in this surreal setting. This was the Blessing of the Hounds.
The tradition of the Blessing was initiated in the Middle Ages by Hubert of Liege (656-727 CE), who greatly enjoyed hunting, drinking, extravagant banquets and, of course, hot ladies. During one of his hunting parties held on Good Friday, Hubert was pursuing a stag when, suddenly, the stag gave Hubert a vision of a cross. Hubert threw himself to the ground and confessed his sins.
At our Blessing of the Hounds, the local priest gave medals with Hubert's image to every rider, symbolizing divine protection and the promise of a good hunt. Nowadays, members of the Green Valley Club are very active in preserving land from further development. Landowners and communities throughout Baltimore County have agreed to preserve this last piece of a cherished local heritage.
Venturing into Baltimore and its surrounding areas can reveal some pleasant surprises. The Blessing of the Hounds is another jewel hidden in the wonders of Baltimore that awaits your discovery.
