February the 3rd – commemoration of St. Blaise of SebasteaThis is another important celebratio

February the 3rd – commemoration of St. Blaise of SebasteaThis is another important celebration in polish folk culture.At this day Catholic Church commemorates St. Blaise, who had lived in III century in Armenia (modern Turkey). At first he was a doctor, then became a hermit and later was chosen a bishop of Sebastea. During persecution of Christians, he was seized and prisoned. Upon not giving up his faith, he was tortured with iron combs and then beheaded.Legend says, that when he was taken to prison, a poor woman came to beg him to save his child, who was choking to death on a fish-bone. St. Blaise offered his prays and the child was cured.Therefore St. Blaise is considered to be patron in cases of throat-related diseases.After the Mass priest blesses small candles called błażejki („blaisenettes” I guess), then crosses them and touches people’s throats with them. As he does that, he’s saying the following blessing:„Giving the testimony of faith, St. Blaise, the commendable bishop, gained palm of martydom. You, My Lord, have given him the grace of curing diseases of the throat, we are pleading You, bless those candles, for all faithfull, through the intercession of St. Blaise, to be released from diseases [of the throat] and all other evils, and for them to be always able to thank You.” and then makes a sign of cross over the blessed person.In some regions priests also blessed apples to be eaten in protection from diseases. Polish folklore also has this saying regarding weather:„Rain on St. Blaise’s [day] – vain hope for spring”. More information:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_BlaisePictures above:1.Saint Blaise confronting the Roman governor - scene from a stained glass window from the area of Soissons, France, 13th century.2. foto by Paulina Sieczkowska for the Celebrations project.3. Candles used for blessings. -- source link

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