For centuries, Catholics have worn Saint Hubert Medals as a sign of their devotion to the patron saint of hunters. But what is the meaning behind these medals? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and meaning of St. Hubert medals. Whether you’re a hunter or wear one of these medals as a reminder of your faith, we hope you find this exploration exciting and informative!
The Story of St. Hubert
The story of St. Hubert is truly fascinating. Legend says Saint Hubert was not always a deeply religious man, preferring hunting to the gospel. During his upbringing, his mother, a devout Catholic, constantly prayed that he would turn from his fascination with hunting to the Lord and his ways. This left an impression on St. Hubert, which was made more intense after he married Floribonne. Floribonne was also a devout woman whose influence rekindled the faith he had experienced throughout his childhood within St. Hubert.
Sadly, Floribonne passed away during childbirth, crushing St. Hubert. He questioned his faith, racked with grief and feeling confusion as well as anger towards the Lord. He shortly abandoned the faith his wife had rekindled within him and dedicated his life to hunting and the praise that came with it.
On one Good Friday, while the faithful were at church. St. Hubert was hunting instead. He spotted a majestic stag, which he chose to hunt down. Just as he was about to take down the stag, it turned towards St. Hubert, revealing a crucifix between its antlers. St. Hubert was stunned and heard the voice of the Lord, warning him that he would go to Hell unless he turned towards the Lord and lived a holy life. He dismounted his horse and prostrated before the stag, promising to do as the Lord commanded.
He immediately set out to Maastricht and subsequently met a bishop named Lambert. The bishop was kind to him and became his spiritual director and mentor. St. Hubert shortly renounced all of his wealth and worldly possessions. He studied for priesthood and was soon ordained, becoming one of the chief associates of St. Lambert.
He became well known for his eloquence in the pulpit, where he delivered dynamic sermons. He was known to use his skill with the bow and arrow to draw massive crowds in order to educate them about the teachings of the Lord. His sermons were reputed for changing the hearts of anyone who listened to it. Christians experienced a renewed devotion to their faith, while those who were pagans ended up embracing Christianity, renouncing their pagan deities.
The moment of St. Hubert receiving divine inspiration and his subsequent devotion to Christianity resulted in him being the patron saint of hunters. Medals featuring the buck and cross are nowadays used as a protective charm and sign of good fortune for hunters, reminding them to always stay mindful of their faith. Thus, you are participating in an ancient and powerful tradition by wearing or gifting a Saint Hubert medal.
Saint Hubert Medals Are a Popular Hunting Amulet
St. Hubert is a legendary figure whose story has lived on for centuries. His moment of divine inspiration forever connected him to the sport of hunting, and as a result, he is recognized today as the patron saint of hunters. Most Saint Hubert Medals depict St. Hubert at the moment where he got his divine inspiration, featuring St. Hubert and the stag with the cross between its antlers. The medal is widely sought among those in the hunting community, donned for its religious symbolism and reputation as a bringer of good luck in the hunt. Some even go so far as to say it helps improve their shooting accuracy and aim! Whether these claims are valid or not, St. Hubert’s Medal remains an integral part of the sport for devout followers worldwide.
The Saint Hubert Medal Is Said to Bring Good Luck During Hunting
Wearing a St. Hubert medal is said to confer a special kind of luck reserved only for hunters. Those with the medal are thought to be more successful in the hunt, and it is believed that it also provides protection against certain dangers while hunting in the wild. Owning a Saint Hubert Medal is holding a piece of hunting history. Wearing this medal gives hunters both strength and purpose, as those who hunt with respect for the power of nature will always carry part of its spirit within them.
Saint Hubert Is Responsible for Ethical Hunting Behavior
St. Hubert is honored by hunters and is considered to be the one who created the concept of ethical hunting behavior. Some legends say that the stag told Hubert to hold animals in high regard and be compassionate towards them since they are creatures of God. Saint Hubert outlined rules for hunting that emphasize respect for nature, respect for other hunters and animals, consideration of safety precautions, and humane treatment of game once killed or captured.
These principles are still considered essential components of responsible hunting today; ethical behavior such as avoiding hatred towards wildlife, taking only what one needs from nature, never shooting a female animal that has a younger animal following it to ensure that the child has a mother to guide it towards living a whole life, refraining from baiting animals, euthanizing any sick or injured animals they come across and avoiding adding suffering to wild animals have all their roots in St. Hubert’s mandate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Saint Hubert medals have a rich history and symbolism. St. Hubert was a patron saint of hunters known for his love of hunting and devotion to God. The Saint Hubert medal has become a popular hunting amulet, believed to bring good luck during hunting expeditions. It is also a reminder to hunters to practice ethical behavior while hunting. Whether worn for its cultural significance or as a good luck charm, the Saint Hubert medal continues to hold a special place in the hearts of hunters today.