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St
Piran was born in Ireland.
After
studying the scriptures in Rome he returned and was made a Bishop.
In
Ireland he was said to have performed many miracles, such as raising
from the dead soldiers slain in battle. But the Kings of Ireland
at the time were not impressed.
It
is reported that in the 5th Century St Piran was flung into the
sea in Ireland.
He
had a millstone around his neck but miraculously he floated across
the water to Perran Beach in Perranporth.
It
was here that he built a small chapel.
St
Piran built his oratory amongst the sand dunes. People would come
from miles around to hear him preach there.
St
Piran discovered tin too, but quite by accident.
A black
stone on his fire leaked a white liquid. St Piran had discovered
tin.
The
Cornish Flag, the Flag Of St Piran (white cross on a black background)
represents white tin flowing from the black rock, or good overcoming
evil.
St
Piran is believed to have lived for 200 years. He was fond of a
drink and met his end falling down a well. No
date of his death was recorded.
St
Piran is one of three Patron Saints Of Cornwall. The other two are
St Michael and St Petroc. Michael is associated with St Michael's
Mount and St Petroc with Padstow.
Cornwall's
St Michael has his own feast day celebrated on May 8th, and St Petroc
has 4th June.
St
Piran's Day is on March 5th each year.
Throughout
Cornwall celebrations will be taking place. See
a diary of events
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| Local
school children rehearse for Sunday's play |
On
Sunday the people of Perranporth enjoy the annual celebrations and
procession to St Piran’s Oratory and the nearby 1000 year old Celtic
Cross, to remember the Cornish Saint, St Piran.
This
year for the first time, those who process to St. Piran's Cross
on Sunday will be treated to two plays depicting the life of St.
Piran.
More
than 60 actors and musicians will be taking part, along with a large
group of children from Perranporth Junior School.
Headmaster
Brian Odgers has produced the school performance, a dance which
symbolically depicts the arrival of Piran in his coricle from Ireland,
the building of two churches on the site, and the smelting of tin.
Armfuls
of daffodils and the soaring of Choughs represent the happiness
and spirit of the occasion.
The
procession assembles at Perran Sands Holiday Centre on Sunday at
2pm, and all are welcome to join in. Bring your flags and as much
tartan regalia as you like, and be prepared for a 1.5 mile walk,
and changeable Cornish weather!
The
day's events will be covered on BBC Radio Cornwall including Cornwall
Connected
On
Wednesday there was a big celebration in the city of Truro. See
our pictures
Visit
the BBC Cornwall website again on Sunday night to see our pictures
of the big day in Perranporth.
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