promiseoflight:

Saint Sebastian is pretty much the only Roman Catholic saint I know, and I love him. He’s the patron of archers and soldiers (especially the navy), protector from the bubonic plague and an icon of holy death, as well as a gay male icon. He was a Christian martyr who was shot with arrows (and so he is often depicted) and died at the hand of the Roman Emperor Diocletian after opposing him with his faith. I don’t know why he appeals to me, but he does. I think it’s his image/martyrdom that first got my attention.

He is commemorated on January 20th (tomorrow).

Associated with his holy death is the Mexican Santa Muerte (or Lady Sebastienne, Lady Of The Night, Saint Death). According to Wikipedia, she’s a kickass saint; she is patron of the homosexuals, bisexuals, trans* and all queers, she protects those who work at night from harm (taxi drivers, mariachi players, bar owners, sex workers, police officers, etc) as well as drug dealers and smugglers. I mean, she’s pretty badass for a saint!

Worshipping the Santa Muerte was forbidden by the Mexican Christian Church until 20th century. Now she is celebrated on either the Dia de los muertos, the first of November, or on the 15th of August. She is represented by a female skeleton draped in colourful sheets.

This is fantastic!