We´ve gone from winter straight into summer here in Buenos Aires, with temperatures suddenly approaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Farenheit!). It´s the annual preview to the Santa Rosa Storm, a meteorological event that seems to celebrate Santa Rosa´s religious holiday on August 30th. On Sunday, possibly Monday, we'll see southeastern winds pick up, perhaps some furious lightning displays, and a deluge of waters from the heavens above. Really made me wonder about this Saint Rose, who with such a pacific name is still able to command the elements such?
Apparently, Rosa was born in Lima, Peru and has an annual holiday in part because she was the first Catholic saint of the Americas. As a young lady, she fasted, disfigured herself when admired to ward off vanity, and took a vow of virginity - all this against her parents´wishes. Rosa became a champion for the hungry and homeless, supporting them with the sales of her handiwork and tending to them, before becoming a member of the Dominican order at the ripe age of 20, and finally passing away at 31.
Saintly, indeed.... Yet, in addition to this tranquil existence, Rose was known for her "intervals of ecstasy". (Today, this would describe her as any other club-hopping 20-something; at the time, one can only suppose that these intervals were totally "organic.") I can only imagine that her annual storm might be the manifestation of another such ecstatic episode!
In addition to being the patron saint of the Americas, she also represents florists and gardeners...and as August 30th marks the beginning of spring here in Argentina, she certainly has an apt following!
For those of you travelling to Argentina post-Santa Rosa, pack for spring! Temperate climes, sunny days, and the lovely lavender of blooming jacarandas will shortly be visiting beautiful Buenos Aires.
Friday, August 28, 2009
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