Saint Anthony, better known to the world as Anthony of Padua, is one of the greatest Catholic saints. He was not only an outstanding theologian and preacher, but also a miracle worker. In 1232, less than a year after his death, he was canonized. His Remembrance Day is June 13th.
Saint Anthony is considered the patron saint of marriage, lovers, all desperate, and also animals. On June 13, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to the Basilica in Padua, where his relics are kept, which is one of the most famous Catholic shrines.
On St. Anthony's Day, believing pet owners go to churches with their pets to receive a blessing. The owners line up to the priest, who sprinkles the animals with holy water. It is believed that thanks to this, pets will live happily ever after. Before going to church, many decorate their dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters with ribbons, dress up someone in beautiful new clothes, etc. After receiving the blessing, parishioners receive three buns, one of which must be stored for the next year: thanks to a special recipe, it will not deteriorate.
In Lisbon, where the saint was born, June 13 is the day of the city: Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the Portuguese capital. In addition, this day is considered the most successful for a wedding. But since there are a lot of people who want to get married on this holiday, couples have to take a queue several months before the cherished date.
Children on Saint Memorial Day make miniature altars and decorate them with flowers. Then they go from house to house and ask for "coins for Antony." It is a long-standing tradition that emerged after 1812, when children raised money to rebuild the church of St. Anthony, destroyed by the earthquake.
Young people celebrate the holiday with noisy festivities, and also write letters to Antony with a request to resolve problems in their personal lives. On the eve, girls are guessing for love, and the guys give their friends pots of carnations made of paper, hiding a love note there. Sometimes a small souvenir is hidden in a pot.
