The Tears of St. Lawrence

Each August, the best-known meteor shower flashes across the sky. The peak is Tuesday, so if you are awake and outside late tonight, into tomorrow morning, be sure to check out "The Tears of St. Lawrence" or the The Perseid Meteor Shower.

Why is it called "The Tears of St. Lawrence" you ask?

Laurentius (or Lawrence in modern English), a Christian deacon, is said to have been martyred by the Romans in 258 AD on an iron outdoor stove. During this torture, Laurentius was said to have cried out, “I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well cooked, it is time to turn me on the other.”

The saint’s death was commemorated on his feast day, Aug. 10. The great number of shooting stars seen annually between approximately Aug. 8 and 14 have come to be known as St. Lawrence’s “fiery tears.”

Shaun and I have always enjoyed watching The Perseid Meteor Shower, but I never knew that it was also called "The Tears of St. Lawrence". Christopher thought it was cool, since our last name is St. Lawrence. Thanks Aunt Donna for the e-mail this afternoon.

I hope you all get a chance to see "The Tears of St. Lawrence", but as for the St. Lawrence household, we should be in bed!