If you’re looking skyward tonight you may witness a cascade of shooting stars, known as the Perseid Meteor Shower, otherwise named La Notte di San Lorenzo. This spectacular display of falling stars can be seen every August anytime between the 10th and the 14th and is often said to be the tears of San Lorenzo, who was martyred on August 10th in the year 258. And, it is believed, that all wishes made on this enchanted evening are destined to come true.
This is a tasty tidbit of Italian folklore, one that I am particularly charmed by because San Lorenzo, who is largely celebrated during the month of August (in Florence especially), happens to be the patron saint of all cooks (along with brewers, vintners, butchers, bakers, confectioners and restaurateurs).
According to history, the care of the treasures of the church (including the Holy Grail) fell upon the archdeacon Lorenzo. When asked by a prefect of the emperor Valerian to hand them over, he presented to him the poor of the city saying “Behold, these choice pearls, these sparkling gems that adorn the temple… Behold then, all our riches”. This bold gesture did not go over well with the emperor and Lorenzo was condemned to death, ordered to be burned over coals on a grid iron.
It is said that the saint, making light of this gruesome barbeque called out to his captors, “Turn me over, I am done on this side.” Despite his continuing torture, his comical commentary carried on throughout the night and before he died, shouted out, “I’m cooked enough now”. The church, perhaps revealing its humorous side as well, later proclaimed the archdeacon to be the patron saint of all cooks, and is often depicted holding garlic in one hand and a gridiron in the other.
You might say that fuel is added to the fire annually to honour his martyrdom as eating barbecued or grilled meat (such as the famed Bistecca Fiorentina) is a widespread symbolic tradition. As this feast falls during the summer grain harvest, bread, pasta and other grain products factor into the celebrations. In Florence, outside the Basilica di San Lorenzo, it is customary to enjoy lasagne and pasta al ragu’ (pasta with mean sauce). Florentine bakers hand out complimentary plates of pasta in Piazza San Lorenzo, a charitable act that dates back centuries to the members of L’Arte dei Fornai (bakers guild) who chose Lorenzo as their patron. Grilled bruschette are also part of meals honouring the saint.
Anguria (watermelon) is another food associated with the Festa di San Lorenzo. It is a refreshing summer staple enjoyed across the peninsula (also associated with Ferragosto) during la Notte dei Desideri (the night of wishes) as the astral rains fall.
Cooks are known to invoke the protection of San Lorenzo in the kitchen, where burns by fire or heat are a threat, by reciting a prayer:
Lord, guide my willing hands to bake my bread today.
To mix a little laughter in what l do or say.
Help me to feed my family with good food seasoned right.
With wisdom of a loving heart, keep my kitchen shining bright.
Guide my erring thoughts to Heaven, when my spirit is sad and low.
Help me to set my dinner table, with food for hearts that glow.
Buon appetito e Buona Festa di San Lorenzo!
