Although this chapter features some of the most famous saints, all saints are essentially “holiday saints.” Each one has a particular day (or set of days) associated with him. In most cases, saints' days are connected to the day that they died. Within the Christian tradition, the day of death is viewed as the greatest “birthday,” because it marks the passage into eternal life.

The calendars of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican Churches are cluttered with the names of saints. These churches are determined to remember the saints, keeping their memories alive by telling their stories year after year. Many saints have particular significance within certain cultures, and some have become deeply connected with nationalities. Other saints' stories are celebrated in countries all over the world, but given a unique spin wherever the stories are told.

The following saints have sprung from the liturgical calendars of their churches, taking on fresh incarnations in secular society. While some of the customs surrounding these saints are quaint and reverent, others would likely make the celebrated saints cringe, as might some of the mythology surrounding these legendary figures. The next few pages will offer a glimpse into the historical roots of these much-loved figures.