Creaturam istam cerevisiae

The title of this blog, Creaturam istam cerevisiae (“this creature beer”), comes from the traditional Latin blessing of beer in the Rituale Romanum (the handbook for blessings and other ceremonies in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church).  Although a love and appreciation for beer transcends religious differences, this title is particularly germane for a blog focused on the nexus between beer and culture.  For centuries, Christian monasteries were the source of brewing knowledge and technology, growing into some of today’s most respected and well known breweries.  In an age where literacy was largely restricted to the clergy and the nobility, the transmission of the knowledge essential to mastering the art and science of brewing was guarded preciously by men who depended on the sustenance provided by this “liquid bread” to supplement their meager diet. 

Exploring the history of beer in light of the Judeo-Christian tradition is also appropriate when we consider the mystery of fermentation from a theological perspective.  The Jewish, and subsequently Christian, tradition has historically placed great emphasis on seeing God’s creating hand in the multifarious fruits of the earth. Accordingly,

“God's ultimate purpose in creating the world is the manifestation of His goodness and excellence, and a communication of them in part to His creatures … Irrational creatures [i.e., beer] fulfill their obligation also in their existence and functions, according to the laws that govern their nature. This is their silent voice of praise.” Philip T. Weller (translator), The Roman Ritual, Copyright 1964 Philip T. Weller.

This is especially true of beer – while technically “irrational,” (i.e., incapable of rational thought) it is by no means dead.  The genesis of this life-sustaining beverage from the invisible action of nature’s creating hand gives testimony, by virtue of its eternal self-propagation, to the mystery of creation whereby our lives are nourished by God through the fruits of His creation.

It is appropriate, then, that world-renowned beer expert Michael Jackson described the products of fermentation as “a family blessed with eternal life.” Fathered by a microscopic and ubiquitous organism that “descend[s] from heaven even more gently than the rain,” beer is born when yeast from above feeds on the sugars of malted grain, propagating itself and leaving the “life enhancing qualities” of alcohol and bubbly carbonation in its wake.

As a living “creature,” Beer’s “silent voice of praise” can be heard throughout history.  From the thirst-quenched sighs of Egyptian pyramid builders to the Gregorian Chants of Benedictine Monks, the story told by mankind’s favorite drink spans centuries and continents, reaching nearly every age and culture. And, if you drink with an informed and discriminating palate, you can taste the story – and the history – behind every beer you imbibe. These are the stories that this blog is dedicated to telling, one beer at a time.

And for those who want to see the title of this blog in context, here is the aforementioned beer blessing:

V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
R. Qui fecit caelum et terram.

V. Dominus vobiscum.
R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

Oremus.

Bene+dic, Domine, creaturam istam cerevisiae, quam ex adipe frumenti producere dignatus es: ut sit remedium salutare humano generi, et praesta per invocationem nominis tui sancti; ut, quicumque ex ea biberint, sanitatem corpus et animae tutelam percipiant. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

Et aspergatur aqua benedicta.


English translation:

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Bless, + O Lord, this creature beer, which thou hast deigned to produce from the fat of grain: that it may be a salutary remedy to the human race, and grant through the invocation of thy holy name; that, whoever shall drink it, may gain health in body and peace in soul. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

And it is sprinkled with holy water.