Lucca-preserved corpse
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
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St Zita's shrine is in San Frediano church. On her feast day, 27th April, a flower market takes place in the piazza in front of the church. People buy a bunch, have it blessed in church and take it home. This custom is derived from one of legends of the saint. Working as a housemaid for a rich family, she used to carry bread in the fold of her apron to take to the poor. Her master became suspicious and confronted her one day, telling her to open the apron. But instead of a loaf, there were bunches of bright flowers. She died in 1278. It was said that on the day she died, the bells of the church tolled without anyone pulling the ropes. Her remains are dressed in green with a white apron, and a garland of flowers adorns her head.





