The Perseid meteor shower, also known as the Tears of Saint Lawrence, is a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by the tail of a comet.
But in addition to the scientific aspect, the Perseids have their mythological side; their origin lies in Greek and Catholic traditions.
What are the perseids?
Every so often, Earth's orbit around the Sun causes it to pass through a field filled with debris from the tail of Comet Swift-Tuttle . This debris burns up, producing shooting stars. These flashes last less than a second and are precisely what we see from Earth when we look at the sky. To better understand this phenomenon, you can learn more about shooting stars.
When can the Perseids be seen?
This meteor shower can be seen every year around the middle of August , specifically a few days after August 10th, the day of the feast commemorating the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. Hence the name "Tears of Saint Lawrence."
The origin of the Tears of San Lorenzo in Catholicism
Saint Lawrence was one of the seven regional deacons of Rome. Many place his birth in Huesca, while others locate it in Valencia or Tarragona. He was ordained a deacon upon the election of Sixtus as Pope. This is why he is the patron saint of deacons . He was responsible for administering Church property and caring for the poor; in these roles, he is considered one of the first archivists and treasurers, and thus he is the patron saint of librarians.
He is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity and churches and monasteries such as San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid have been erected in his honor.
Legend has it that among all the treasures guarded by Saint Lawrence was the Holy Grail, which he managed to send to Huesca for safekeeping . Later, Lawrence's parents arrived in Valencia to escape the persecutions, and it remains there to this day.
martyrdom of saint lawrence
When Emperor Valerian outlawed Christian worship , and persecuted anyone who practiced it or gathered in cemeteries, many bishops and priests were condemned to death. Notable victims of Valerian included Popes Stephen I and Sixtus II, Bishop Cyprian of Carthage, and, of course, the deacon Saint Lawrence.
"Martyrdom of San Lorenzo" Prado Museum
It is said that the deacon Lawrence met Pope Sixtus on his way to martyrdom and asked him: “Where are you going, dear father, without your son? Where are you hurrying to, holy father, without your deacon? You never before mounted the altar of sacrifice without your servant, and now you wish to do so without me?” The pope answered him in what seemed like a prophecy: “In three days you will follow me . ”
Three days later, in Rome, while the saint was being burned alive on a gridiron, he said, "Turn me over, for I am done on this side." The tears he shed , according to legend, are the stars that would fall from the sky on subsequent nights as a constant reminder of the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. This happened on August 10th.
Every year on that date, Vatican City displays a reliquary containing the saint's head for veneration . He is the third patron saint of the city of Rome.
The origin of the Perseids in Greek mythology
Greek tradition tells that Perseus is the son of the god Zeus and the nymph Danaë. Zeus, famous for his numerous love affairs, fell in love with the beautiful nymph, but to reach her he had to transform himself since she was confined to a chamber. The god decided to take the form of a radiant rain . In this way, he was able to father Perseus.
As he grew up, Perseus became involved in the story of Cassiopeia. The queen of the Ethiopians was a very beautiful woman, so much so that she was said to be more beautiful than the Nereids, the daughters of the sea and considered among the most beautiful creatures in existence. Poseidon became enraged when he found out and sent Cetus, a sea monster, to punish Cassiopeia.
Fearing that the monster would destroy Ethiopia, the kings consulted the oracle, who told them they must appease the god's wrath by sacrificing their daughter. Andromeda ended up chained to a rock as a sacrifice.
At that moment, Perseus, who was sailing by, heard the young woman's cries. He was captivated by her, and having just slain the Gorgon, he used her head to petrify Ceto and save Andromeda . He later married her.
"Perseus and Andromeda" Pierre Minyar 1679
Perseus would be immortalized in the sky as a constellation, and the Perseids, the meteor shower, originate from this constellation . Hence the name of this shower. The constellation of Perseus represents a warrior, as he was a classical hero, and we have recounted one of his exploits here.