Representation of a Social Group in the Cult of the Saint

Abstract

The representation of the social groups as a product of their worldview finds expression in the institutions, values, norms and strategies of symbolic behavior, for example, in the cult of the saint patron, as his image transmits the ideal collective portrait of a group. The cult of St. Ragnebert (7th century) — laity aristocrat — is very unusual for the early Middle Ages. It is the first known example in history, when a social group creates a cult of “his own” Saint. This group was the Burgundian aristocracy party (optimates) which was in opposition to the royal court in Neustria in the years 660—680 and defended its “old rights” (i. e. “Burgundian particularism”). The Duke of Burgundy’ son, Ragnebert, executed by order of the maior domus Ebroyn, was the victim of this political struggle. Since his death was treated as innocent, he received a halo of the Martyr and was canonized on the initiative of the Metropolitan of Lyon, one of the opposition’s leaders. That was a specific show of the political will. So the “Burgundian frond” received from her ranks a true Saint, whose image was recorded, legitimized and promoted the group identity, class values and political goals.