Emidius, Saint, Martyr

EMIDIUS, Saint, Martyr. - Unknown in Christian antiquity; the first reports appear in the 11th century, in papal and imperial documents. Probably at the beginning of that century his body was found and his name was placed in first place in the series of those who succeeded one another in the cathedral of Ascoli Piceno. It was then that a very legendary Passio was compiled, but in good Latin, whose author reveals classical and scriptural 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.

Agostino Amore

EMIDIUS IN FOLK CUSTOM

He is invoked by the people as a protector against earthquakes. His feast is celebrated in Ascoli Piceno on 5 August. It had extraordinary importance in the civic life of the city, and the statutes of 1387 already attest the lively public cult paid to the saint. The Commune was obliged to proclaim festivities, which included the race of the ring and the quintain; in time the custom of the race of the barberi (horses) came into use. Still in the last century the peasants would flock in from the eve and spend the night in the city, while serenades were sung to the sound of violins and guitars: the sacred functions took place, as today, in the Cathedral, on whose steps the sellers of basil distributed the fragrant little plant, with which everyone adorned themselves that day. The image of the saint, in popular prints, is kept in many country houses of central Italy. - See plate XXIV.

Paolo Toschi