Saint Melangell – Patron Saint of Hares
Hares have always sparked the imagination and curiosity and even persecution, of humanity for many, many years. Whether it was the medieval beliefs that they had the ability to turn into witches at will or their moon-staring habits, their “here-one-second then gone the next,” encounters only add fuel to the mythological fire.
There’s a Patron Saint of Hares?
It appears so! The Saint in question – Melangell - is said to have been the daughter of an Irish Monarch who’d tried to arrange a marriage for her. Not too happy about the whole situation, she took a vow of celibacy and high-tailed it to Wales.
It was here her peace was disturbed by some well-to-do chap who was out hunting hares with his dogs. The hare apparently took refuge under Melangell’s robe and she stood her ground and protected it from the hunter.
The hunter, impressed by Melangell’s bravery that he donated a piece of land to her so that she might provide a sanctuary to any and all that fled there.
So that’s how there came to be a Patron Saint of Hares.
Whether you believe the story or not, you can’t help but admire what she did, and I for one hope it’s true.
Apparently she's celebrated every 27th May.
