Saint Florian

Florian from Lorch: Life and legend

St. Florian was born around the year 250 near Vienna, in a small town which is now known as "Zeiselmauer". Presumably Florian died on 4 May 303 or 304 in Lorch. According to sources, Florian was brought up in the Christian faith already in his childhood. Already early he joined the Roman army. As head of the office of the Roman governor, Florian finally became an influential man in today's Lorch.

The spread of Christianity was a thorn in the side of the Roman emperor Diocletian. So he started the last and most cruel wave of persecution of Christians, which also killed Florian when he tried to help 40 believers who were arrested and locked up in a dungeon during this persecution. Florian was caught, arrested and tortured while trying to free his fellow believers. After he refused to renounce the Christian faith, a millstone was put around Florian's neck and he was thrown into the Enns.

Legend has it that an eagle protected the desecrated corpse, which was finally recovered and buried by a widow. The tired oxen who were dragging the body suddenly opened a spring where many miracles were to take place.

Saint Florian as patron saint

It is interesting to note that in the 15th century - more than 1000 years after Florian's death - a second part of the legend became popular, from which the role of Saint Florian as patron saint of fire departments was to grow. In his youth - as this legend claims - Florian once saved a burning house by praying to God. Florian's death by drowning did the rest when the legend was formed: Whoever was killed with water and was able to save a burning house from burning down is as if he was made to protect firefighters. Today they even call themselves "Florian's disciples" and remind us of the Christian martyr. In many fire stations it is common to put up a carving showing Florian. Such a wooden figure should protect from fires and accidents in action.

Besides the firemen, the winegrowers, brewers, coopers and blacksmiths also venerate Florian as their patron saint. He is also said to protect farmers from the barrenness of the fields, storms and drought.

Iconography

Whoever wants to buy a figure of Saint Florian can recognize the saint by the representation with a water bucket or a jug. Occasionally there are also wood carvings that represent the martyr with a mill wheel or millstone and depict the eagle that is said to have protected the saint's body. A carved statue representing Florian also shows the saint mostly as a Roman soldier with armour and lance.

In Lignoma there are various wooden figures showing the Saint Florian. The figure with a burning house underlines the importance of the saint as the patron saint of firefighters.

Customs and commemoration

In many fire stations you can find a carving of wood, which shows Florian and keeps the memory of the patron saint alive. On May 4, in many areas, Saint Florian is commemorated with a big festival. It is also the name day of "Florian". It is remarkable that it is common in popular belief to ask Florian to protect his own house from damage and to set another house on fire. The phrase "St. Florian's Principle" - the idea of directing damage to others in order to protect oneself - refers to this custom.