St Agnes: Legends Around The Saint Martyr

St Agnes of Rome (291 – 304), also known by the name of Saint Ines, is a virgin-martyr. She is the patron saint of virgins, and is believed to be the protector of rape victims and the chastity of engaged couples. The martyrdom of Saint Agnes is commemorated on January 21. The name “Agnes” is derived from the feminine adjective “hagnē” (ἁγνή) in the Greek language, meaning “chaste”.

Beliefs Around St Agnes the Saint Martyr

The legend goes that St Agnes, born in a noble Roman family, refused to marry the son of a wealthy Prefect, Sempronius. St Agnes didn’t want to marry him and wished to have only Jesus in her life. Since the Roman law did not provide for the execution of virgins, other cruel ways were tried to condemn Saint Agnes to death.  It is believed that:

• St Agnes was dragged totally naked through the city streets to a brothel.
• While Saint Agnes prayed, her hair grew to cover her body.
• Men who made rape attempts against Agnes went blind.
• Declared a witch, people tried to burn her. The wood, to which she was tied, did not burn. Although St Agnes was kissed by flames, it was her executioners who perished.

Finally, an army officer beheaded her. Her body is preserved in the Saint Agnes church in Rome.

Saint Agnes’ Eve: Rituals

A popular ritual associated with the Saint Agnes’ Eve is that of girls trying to discover their husbands-to-be. On the Saint Agnes’ Eve, unmarried girls are believed to dream of their future husbands if they fast for 24 hours, eating only an egg with salt before they go to bed.