Humans and animals have shared a special relationship for as long as history has been recorded. The Roman Catholic Church has different patron saints in honor of animals, most notably St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anton, but other cultures, including Buddhist ones, also celebrate animal blessing traditions. So it is unsurprising that some of these animal ceremonies have been celebrated year in and year out since the Middle Ages.
Browse the gallery for adorable photos of animals of all kinds participating in these ceremonies around the world.