Watermelon is a classic summer fruit treat - refreshing and plentiful. So it is a perfect choice for the August 24th feast of the Apostle, St. Bartholomew (aka Nathanael). Watermelon originated in Africa (or at least that is where there is earliest evidence) but seems to have been introduced in Europe by the 10th-12th century. Medieval manuscripts created in several countries have illustrations of watermelons. In Northern Europe, monk and scholar St. Albertus Magnus might well have provided the first written description of watermelon in the 13th century.
Turismo Roma Website shares an history of an old traditional festival that was held in Rome (until the 19th century) at the Tiber island church Church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola - the Church in Rome dedicated to St. Bartholomew. So at least in Italy the watermelon is very much connected Bartlemas - the feast of St. Bartholomew.
Bartholomew’s memory and popularity among Romans, until the 19th century, were also linked to the feast held here every 24 August, when every corner of the island was invaded by watermelon sellers and watermelons displayed on the so-called “spallette” or piled up like cannonballs. Amid the shouts and cheers of the crowd, some watermelons would be thrown into the river and become objects of contention among the kids who would dive into the eddies of the Tiber to retrieve them. Decidedly dangerous, the pastime was banned in 1870 because of the frequent accidents that occurred: but watermelon has remained one of the city’s freshest summer vices.
For its ease of preparation and the plentiful availability this time of year, watermelon is a fun and simple choice for a treat for this Apostle's August feast day. Bon appetito!
St. Bartholomew, Pray for us!
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