Night of San Lorenzo, that of shooting stars and wishes to express. One evening, al August 10th, also honored by the poet Pascoli, in which many following tradition go looking for stars with their noses in the air. And maybe if the tropical heat of these last few nights gave way to a bit of a cooling breeze, it would really be better. But never mind, even if you try to see, who knows, your dreams come true, you are always willing to make some sacrifices. So tonight everyone in the high ground and eyes pointed upwards.
Night of San Lorenzo, the "tears" from the sky and wishes are expressed
A story, that of the night of San Lorenzo, which sees astronomy, antiquity and religion intertwined. There legend in fact, it is said that the young Christian, in the year 258, was martyred and burned on a grill, upon condemnation of the emperor Valerian. Here then the shooting stars represent the hot coals who killed him. But also the Tears of the saint poured into this world, according to a somewhat romantic vision. However, many historians believe that this night's celebrations have more ancient roots, linked to pagan and Roman traditions, especially to cults of fertility and fertility of the fields.
San Lorenzo, on which nights to see shooting stars
The night of San Lorenzo certainly has great prominence in tradition, but it is not exactly on this night that it is possible for the most attentive eyes to see the shooting stars. In fact, the peak would shift by a few days. In order to observe the passage of Perseids, or the meteor shower causing the phenomenon of shooting stars, it will be necessary to wait for the nights between Sunday 11 it's Monday August 12th. Then, twenty-four hours later, between Monday 12 e Tuesday 13.
What are shooting stars
Shooting stars are not actually shooting stars. In fact, it is debris from the Comet Swift Tuttle. These come into contact with the Earth's atmosphere and create light trails in the sky. The Perseids are observable every year between the end of July and mid-August, peaking around August 12th. The fiery fragments would thus be associated with the tears of the saint.
From festivals to bonfires on the beach, here's how Italy celebrates the night of wishes
From north to south of Italy there are many popular traditions characteristics on the night of San Lorenzo. Events and festivals are in fact numerous, as are religious processions dedicated to the saint. TO Florence, where San Lorenzo is the city's co-patron saint, a procession arrives at the basilica dedicated to the saint and ends with a dinner in the square. It also seems, again according to tradition, that in medieval times in the Tuscan capital, to honor San Lorenzo, quarters of ox were roasted and distributed to the people: the origin of the Florentine steak. Furthermore, there is no shortage of suggestive places in seaside cities bonfire on the beach and in general there are numerous opportunities to spend evenings outdoors.
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