Saint Christopher

Biography

When St. Christopher lived exactly cannot be said with certainty today. Either his lifetime coincided with the reign of Emperor Decius or that of Maximinus Daia. His existence is considered by historians as probable due to his appearance in many sources.

Before he was baptized, Christophorus was probably called Reprobus or also Offerus. He is said to have belonged to a mythical people, the cynokephals, who were depicted as wild and dog-headed. Western sources identify Christophorus as a giant who aspired to always serve the most powerful ruler. A hermit told the giant that this most powerful ruler could only be God, and the seeker wondered how he could know God's will. The hermit pointed out to the giant that his great figure was an expression of the divine will and that God had given the later St. Christopher the order to work on the river instead of the ferryman and to carry travelers on his shoulder over the flowing waters.

One day - so the story goes - the giant was supposed to carry a small child across the river. When he took it on his shoulder, it was very light at first. In the water it became heavier and heavier, so the giant stopped in the middle of the river, groaning and telling the child that it was as heavy as all the weight of the world. The child told the giant that he was Jesus and therefore he was actually carrying the burden of the world. When he reached the other side of the river, the child told the giant to take the name of Christopher.

After his turning to God and his baptism, Christophorus traveled through the country and converted numerous people. After an eventful life, the giant was beheaded by the king for his Christian activities and died a martyr.

As part of the Legenda Aurea this legend became famous and is still a popular saint story today. The catholic day of remembrance for St. Christopher is July 25th.

Iconography

Wooden figures of St. Christopher are very popular. In art, the saint is usually depicted as a giant carrying the Christ child on his shoulders. The figure also holds a giant staff in his hand. In many churches and large buildings, pictures are hung up showing the saint. The sight of the Christophorus is supposed to protect from sudden death.

Christophorus is the patron saint of travelers. Many believers hang a small carving with the image of the saint on the rear view mirror of their vehicle. Christophorus is also considered the patron saint of sailors, airmen and motorists.

Remember

July 25th is the day of commemoration of Saint Christopher. It is interesting that even today some people have their vehicle blessed and turn to St. Christopher to ask for his protection.

Whoever wants to buy a wood carving of St. Christopher will find a selection of different representations of the popular saint in the store. A statue made of wood is ideal as a gift for a name day or as a present for a passed driving test. Whoever sets off on a trip around the world will also be delighted with a carved figure of the patron saint.

Christophorus is also a popular patron saint among athletes because of his enormous physical strength. This makes a carved statue of the saint a popular gift for athletes facing an important competition.