Monday 3 June 2019

St Elmo's Day- 2nd June







According to legend St Elmo or Erasmus of Formia who
was martyred by having his intestines drawn from his body by a windlass. 
So his name is now invoked against all stomach and bowel complaints. 
He is also the patron saint of sailors, because he is said to have continued preaching
 even after a thunderbolt struck the ground beside him, this prompted the sailors
 who witnessed this event and who were also in danger from 
sudden storms and lightening to claim his protection. 


St Elmo's Fire, a bright blue or violet 
glow, the electrical discharge that flickers ships during storms is believed 
to be a sign of his protection.





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