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St. Florian medals are popular additions to chains and necklaces
for both men and women. St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters
and chimney sweeps, as well as Linz, Austria and Poland, was a
saint who lived during the time the Romans were trying to eradicate
Christianity from the land. He was in charge of the Roman firefighting
brigade, hence his association with fire and firefighters.
Many St. Florian medals have the words "St. Florian Protect
Us" inscribed around the outside of the medal. The medals
may be the traditional round shape, but many people prefer them
in the shape of the Maltese Cross, used commonly by firefighters
around the world, particularly in the United States.
On the Saint Florian Medal, he is often portrayed as standing
above a burning house with a bucket of water in his right hand.
This signifies his protection against fire and burning. On some
medals St. Florian actually holds the house in his hand, an added
sign of protection.
Some fire departments have even commissioned St. Florian Medals
with the initials of the department and the badge number of the
firefighter inscribed on the medal. These are very often in the
shape of the Maltese Cross, with a circular center. On the right
and left "arms" of the cross are often inscribed a ladder
and a symbol for water, such as a fire hydrant.
For a friend or relative who has chosen firefighting as his or
her vocation, a St. Florian medal is the perfect gift. What better
way to show you care and to let them know that your prayers-and
St. Florian's protection-are working for them.
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