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Pankratius

The later saint (regionally also Pankraz or Gratz) was born around 290 in Phrygia in today's Turkey as son of a rich Roman and suffered martyrdom in Rome around 304 already at a very young age. According to legend he travelled to Rome with his uncle Dionys in 303. The name means "the one who defeats all". With his inherited fortune he helped the persecuted Christians there, especially the prisoners for the sake of their faith. After the death of the uncle, Pancrasius was seized by one of the persecution orders of Emperor Diocletian (236-312) and brought before the emperor. Despite all temptations, the 14-year-old did not allow himself to be dissuaded from his faith, so he was publicly beheaded and then his body was thrown to the dogs to eat. In 500 a church was built over his grave, on the site of which the present church of San Pancrazio stands.

Pankratius Enthauptung (Relief in Kirche San Pancrazio Rom und Reliquie in Wil (St.Gallen Schweiz)

Pankratius is one of the five ice saints, his day of remembrance is 12 May. He is the patron saint of first communicants and children, of young seed and flower, against perjury and false testimony as well as headaches. He is often depicted in knight's armour with sword, martyr's crown and palm tree. The picture on the right shows an allegedly genuine relic in the parish church of Wil (Canton St. Gallen in Switzerland). However, this is one of the many miraculous relic reproductions that occurred particularly in the Middle Ages, since the bones and also the head of the martyr are in the church of San Pancrazio in Rome. Two calendar sayings in connection with viticulture are: 1) When St. Pancrasia freezes, much in the vineyard is ruined. 2) If St. Pancras is beautiful, good wine will be seen. See also under Farming Rules, Viticulture Customs and Wine Saints.

Picture left: From Lalupa - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Picture right: From Dbu - Own work, CC BY 2.5, Link

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