Zemst (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Hubertus Association of Elewit, a part of Zemst, in collaboration with artist Dirk Hughe, publishes “Hop the Hunting Dog” to teach children about Saint Hubert, the Whit Monday procession, and traditions aimed at preventing rabies.
As VRT News reported, the Hubertus Association in Elewit, a part of Zemst, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, will soon release a children’s book about Saint Hubert and local traditions. The book is called “Hop the Hunting Dog Tells About Saint Hubert” and is full of colourful illustrations and imaginative storytelling.
It is written and illustrated by local artist Dirk Hughe. The story introduces children to Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters, and explains the Saint Hubert Procession, the blessing of bread, and the traditional stamps used to prevent rabies.
“I’ve already read the book to my grandchildren, and they were amazed by the story,”
says Dirk Hughe.
“They weren’t particularly impressed by the religious aspect, but they did find the story of the dog that also receives a rabies label fascinating.”
What is the Saint Hubert Procession, and how does Hop the Dog tell its story?
Last year, the Flemish government recognised the Saint Hubert Procession in Elewit as part of the region’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The procession has been held for centuries and is an important tradition in the village. To highlight this event, the Hubertus Association of Elewit has published a children’s book about Saint Hubert and the procession. The association wants to teach younger generations about the village’s heritage.
The book uses a musical dog named Hop, who is Saint Hubert’s most loyal hunting companion. Hop is over 1,000 years old, yet it remains lively in the story. He tells readers about his master, Saint Hubert. Through Hop’s perspective, children learn about the saint’s life, the Saint Hubert Procession, and related traditions.
The Saint Hubert Procession is held every year on Whit Monday in Elewit. During the procession, participants carry stamps or “fire keys,” which were historically used to protect humans and animals from rabies. The book also describes the Huberts’ celebration in November, on Saint Hubert’s feast day, November 3rd. On this day, bread is blessed, and consuming it is believed to protect against rabies and other illnesses.
