Vitus

The saint, also named as Vitus, was born the son of a senator in Mazzara on Sicily and died as a martyr around 304. The name means "The Wood", his day of remembrance is 15 June. He professed the forbidden Christian faith under Emperor Diocletian (243-316). According to legend, several miracles occurred during his execution with two of his companions. They were thrown into a hot cauldron of oil, but they emerged unharmed. A lion was set upon them, but it lay down 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 crushed by the rubble.

Vitus is one of the most venerated saints, as evidenced by 30 patronages. He is the patron saint of Saxony, Bohemia, Pomerania, Rügen, Mönchengladbach, Prague, Eilwangen and Krems, as well as of the epileptics (St Vitus' Dance), innkeepers, pharmacists, vintners, actors, brewers, miners and coppersmiths. Calendar sayings are: 1) O Saint Vitus - rain not, lest we lack wine. 2) If the wine has blossomed on St. Vit, bring a good wine year. The picture on the left shows St. Vitus in the oil kettle. The sculpture made of lime wood around 1520 is exhibited in the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg. See on the complex of topics also under Farming Rules, Customs in Viticulture and Wine Saints.