EMIDIO, Saint and Martyr. — Unknown in early Christianity; the first information about him appears in the 11th century, in papal and imperial documents. Probably at the beginning of that century his body was discovered and his name was placed first in the series of those who succeeded one another in the cathedral of Ascoli Piceno. At that time a very legendary but well-written Passio was compiled, whose author reveals classical and literary culture. According to this Passio, E. was born in Trier; having gone to Rome with three disciples, he was consecrated bishop by Pope Marcellus and sent to Ascoli, where he was martyred during the persecution of Diocletian. He is commemorated on August 5.
E. IN FOLKLORE. — He is invoked by the people as protector against earthquakes. His feast is celebrated in Ascoli Piceno on August 5. It had extraordinary importance in the life of the city, and the statutes of 1387 already attest to the public vow paid to the Saint. The Commune was obliged to organize celebrations, which included the crown of the Ring and the fifth; over time the use of the barberi crown became widespread. Even in the last century, peasants would come from afar the day before and spend the night in the city, while serenades were sung to the sound of violins and guitars; the sacred functions took place, as they do today, in the Duomo, on whose steps basil-sellers distribute the fragrant, rose-like plant, which everyone wore that day. The image of the Saint, in popular prints, is kept in many farmhouses of central Italy. — See pl. XXIV.