Veit Vitus, Heiliger#

Veit (Vitus), Saint, feast day June 15, b. Sicily (Italy), d. Sicily (Italy), around 305, One of the 14 Auxiliary Saints, martyr; protects against epilepsy ("St. Vitus´ dance"), rabies, storms and the plague; Patron saint of dancers and actors, reapers, early risers and owners of cattle. Is worshipped in numerous Austrian churches; is often depicted as a young boy standing in a cauldron of oil. In some areas black cocks and hens were sacrificed to Saint Veit; also Veit fires.