Agatha (Oragathe), St

Agatha (Oragathe), St.

(1.) The virgin martyred at Catania; passion commemorated Feb. 5.

(2.) One commemorated April 2. See Smith, Dict. of Christ. Antiq. s. ,v. he former is often figured in sacred art, either as a single figure or grouped with other saints. She usually bears in one hand the palm, in the other a dish or salver on which is the female breast, in allusion to her torture. She often wears the crown of martyrdom. The shears, as the, instrument of her torment, are frequently in her hand or beside her, at other times a book of devotion. She generally wears a long veil as a token of modesty. See Jameson Mrs. Sacred and Legendary Art, p. 608 sq.