The Unique Sensa Ceremony: Venice's Unusual Wedding Ceremony to the Sea
Every year on Ascension Day, the ancient city of Venice enacts a unique and storied tradition: the Sensa ceremony. This ceremony, steeped in history and symbolism, is a remarkable example of how a city has bonded with the sea over centuries.
The Origins of the Sensa Ceremony
Starting in 1000 AD, the Sensa ceremony was first celebrated on Ascension Day when Doge Pietro Orseolo II led a fleet to secure the freedom of Venice from the Naretvians. The ceremony evolved over time and was officially recognized in 1177.
On that day, the Doge and a few priests would embark in a galley to the mouth of the lagoon, saying a prayer for protection for sailors. They then poured a little of the holy water into the water and uttered the following:
“We worthily entreat Thee to grant that this sea be tranquil and quiet for our men and all others who sail upon it O hear us.”
The Jingoistic Twist in 1177
The year 1177 saw a significant shift in the ceremony's character. This marked the end of a prolonged period of tension in northern Italy, which involved the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Papacy, and the northern Italian cities, including Venice. A coalition called the Lombard League emerged to challenge Barbarossa, leading to the eventual defeat of his land and sea forces.
To commemorate their victory, the Pope is said to have gifted a golden ring to Doge Sebastiano Ziani, instructing him to throw it into the sea. This act signified Venice's dominion over the Adriatic.
The Enhanced Ceremony of the 13th Century
During the 13th century, the ceremony gained even more grandeur with the construction of the Bucentaur, a specialized ducal galley. This vessel, with gold painted from bow to stern, had a figurehead representing the Republic’s justice. On Ascension Day, the Bucentaur would moor outside the Doge’s Palace, and the Doge would embark for the ceremony.
Upon reaching the lagoon's mouth, the Doge would recite:
“Desponsamus te mare in signum veri perpetuitique domini!”
which translates to “We marry thee, O sea, as a sign of our true and perpetual dominion.” With this, the Doge would cast the ring into the sea and return to the lagoon.
Modern Resurrection of the Sensa Ceremony
The Sensa ceremony was celebrated until Venice's fall in the 18th century. Napoleon's destruction of the Bucentaur halted the celebration, and it lay dormant for many years. However, in the 1960s, the tradition was revived. Today, the Mayor of Venice throws the ring into the sea, symbolizing the ongoing bond between the city and the sea.
The Sensa ceremony is not merely a historical event but a vibrant cultural reenactment that continues to be celebrated. It stands as a testament to the enduring connection between Venice and the Adriatic Sea, highlighting the city's deep-rooted maritime traditions.
Conclusion
The Sensa ceremony is a unique and enduring tradition that has served as a powerful symbol of Venice's maritime heritage and its connection to the sea. As Venetians reenact this ceremony each year on Ascension Day, they celebrate a time when their city first laid its dominion over the waves, symbolizing both past and present.
The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the historical and cultural significance of Venice's relationship with the sea, and its modern revival underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating such rich traditions.