Subj : St. Elmo's Day - Date of Observation: June 2
To   : All
From : Mike Dippel
Date : Mon Jun 02 2025 09:40:18

Type of Holiday: Religious (Christian)

Where Celebrated: Italy and by Christians, particularly sailors, around the world
Symbols and Customs: St. Elmo's Fire

ORIGINS

St. Elmo has been confused with St. Erasmus, an earlier patron saint of sailors. Erasmus 
was a third-century Italian bishop who was martyred around 304 during the persecution 
of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian. 

He was at the height of his popularity in the thirteenth century when Elmo, who had 
spent much of his life working among the seafaring people of the Spanish coast, came 
along. 

Over the centuries, the two saints became identified with one another in the minds of 
the sailors who asked for their protection, and eventually no distinction was made 
between them.

Some scholars think that Elmo is merely a variation of the name Erasmus, and that the 
two saints are actually the same person. 

According to legend, Erasmus was martyred by being disemboweled, and for this reason 
his name is often invoked by people who suffer from intestinal problems.

The basis of saint day remembrances-for St. Elmo as well as other saints-is found in 
ancient Roman tradition. 

On the anniversary of a death, families would share a ritual meal at the grave site of an 
ancestor. 

This practice was adopted by Christians who began observing a ritual meal on the death 
anniversary of ancestors in the faith, especially martyrs. 

As a result, most Christian saint days are associated with the death of the saint. 

There are three important exceptions. John the Baptist, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus are 
honored on their nativities (birthdays). 
Many who suffered martyrdom are remembered on saint days in the calendars of several 
Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant sects.

Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/St.+Elmo%27s+Day

Mike Dippel
 
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