Saint Vitus (Veit, St Vit) was born the son of a senator in Mazzara in Sicily and died as a martyr around 304. His name means "the wood" and he is commemorated on 15 June. He professed the forbidden Christian faith under Emperor Diocletian (243-316). Several miracles occurred during his execution with two of his companions. They were thrown into a hot cauldron of oil, but emerged unharmed. A lion set upon them lay tamely at their feet. They were put on the rack, but lightning shattered the torture device. Finally, an earthquake caused the temples to collapse and the torturers were killed by the rubble.
Vitus is one of the most venerated saints with 30 patron saints. He is the patron saint of Saxony, Bohemia, Pomerania, Rügen, Mönchengladbach, Prague, Eilwangen and Krems, as well as of epileptics (St Vitus' Dance), innkeepers, pharmacists, winegrowers, actors, brewers, miners and coppersmiths. Calendar sayings are: 1) O St Vitus - do not rain, lest we lack wine. 2) If the wine has blossomed in St Vit, it will bring a good wine year. The picture on the left shows St Vitus in the oil vat; the sculpture made of lime wood from around 1520 is on display in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg. See also under Farmers' Rules, Winegrowing Customs and Wine Saints.
