St. Blaise is popularly known as the healer of the throat. Every year, on his feast day, Catholics take part in the Blessing of the Throats. At this ritual, during or after Mass, a priest says a blessing for God's healing and protection, and places two candles near each side of the neck or over the head.
Other than this winter season blessing, not much is known about St. Blaise. According to legend, he healed a boy who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. St. Blaise was believed to be a bishop and physician in Armenia, who also had the ability to heal animals. He was martyred during the 4th century.
