Patron Saint Anthony and Blessing of the Animals

Anthony of Egypt, also known as Anthony the Great, was a third century Christian saint, prominent among the Desert Fathers. The Eastern Orthodox Church and other churches celebrate his feast day on January 17. Also, the ancient latin culture had the holiday of Zirgu Diena on January 17.Interestingly, animals, especially pigs and horses, have a close connection with both these events. In Hispanic Christianity, this day is observed as Blessing of the Animals.

What is with Patron St. Anthony and Pigs?

Saint Anthony’s renown comes from being the first ascetic to go into the wilderness. Also known as Abba Antonius, he is universally recognized as the patron of the lower animals, particularly of pigs. Being a hermit, St. Anthony had many of his diet and lodging habits similar to those of the hogs. Every Roman, having a horse or other cattle, sends it to St. Anthony’s shrine for blessings. Similar customs are observed by the English and the Spanish as well.

Anthony of the Desert was appealed to against skin diseases. This is where the attribution of pigs comes in. Often, these diseases were treated by applying pork fat. This reduced itching and inflammation. Since Anthony aided the same, he was depicted as a pig in art.

January 17: Day of the Horses in Latvian Mythology

Latvian culture is one of the oldest surviving Indo-European cultures, with most of its being ancient. The seasons, deities and festivals in Latvian mythology reflect the essentially agrarian way of life followed by Latvian tribes. The legacy of this culture is visible in many contemporary Christian feast days.

In 1606, Jesuit Joannis Stribingius described Ūsiņš as the god of horses, bees and light. While horses were taken care of by him during the summer, the power was transferred to Mārtiņš on the festival of Mārtiņi (November 10). He protected the livestock of the Latvians from harsh climate, thieves and starvation during the winter. Zirgu Diena or the Day of the Horses was celebrated on January 17 in ancient Latvia to honour lower animals, such as pigs and other livestock.