Vitus, saint of the dance
Legend tales us that Vitus was the son of a Sicilian pagan in the days of the Roman Empire, perhaps in the early 300s during the general persecutions. His conversion to Christianity led to his arrest along with his nurse who had proselytized him, and her husband. They were scourged, thrown to the lions (who politely refused the meal) and were finally cast into boiling oil.
Over the centuries Vitus attracted a host of patronages; he is called upon by those afflicted by animal attacks, wild beasts, dog bites, epilepsy, lightning, snake bites, and storms. When he was placed in the vat of oil, a rooster was thrown in along with him. This has led to Vitus being the patron saint of early rising and a protection against oversleeping. In the Middle Ages it was believed that dancing in front of a statue of Vitus would bring favour; thus, his name was attached to a kind of chorea which produces uncoordinated jerking movements — St Vitus’ Dance. From this comes also his patronage of dancers and entertainers in general.
He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Visitors to Prague can see a magnificent Gothic cathedral dedicated to him.