FOUR BOOKS WORTH READING
THE TOWER OF FREDERICK II OF SWABIA, THE KING OF SICILY
One of the most interesting monuments to visit in Enna (Sicily), is the Tower of Frederick II of Swabia (1194-1250). Besides being the King of Sicily, he was the Holy Roman Emperor, and the King of Jerusalem.
This great emperor was crowned King of Sicily when he was 4, under the regency of Pope Innocent III.
Since Frederick II grew up in Sicily, he was able to speak the Sicilian dialect as a native speaker. However, he also spoke Latin, Arabic, Greek, French, and of course German.
He was a man of extensive learning. Being thirsty for knowledge, he came into contact with the Sufis, the troubadours, esoteric schools, artists, and men of letters. He loved Sicily to such an extent that he wrote in his will that his body should be buried in Sicily. In fact, he rests in the Cathedral of Palermo.
He was the founder of the Sicilian School of Poetry and of the University of Naples. He also built several castles. Of note, Castel del Monte, in Puglia and the Tower of Frederick, in Enna.
Both these buildings are characterized by the number eight.
The plan of Castel del Monte is octagonal, the eight towers of the castle have also octagonal bases. There are eight rooms on each floor with windows facing on an inner octagonal courtyard. Somebody says that this unique castle was built to enclose the Holy Grail.
The plan of the Tower of Frederick in Enna is also octagonal. It is similar to the towers that form Castel del Monte. Both the monuments are made with stones of varied hues. It is said that Frederick II collected stones from various Pagan temples, which were particularly rich in energy, to build these structures. Besides having an octagonal base, the Tower of Frederick shows eight loopholes vertically and eight loopholes horizontally in one of the walls, while other sides of the tower are without loopholes or windows.
What is the meaning of the number eight, so dear to Frederick II? According to esoteric schools, the number eight symbolizes the union of Earth and Heaven. In other words, it symbolizes the infinite.
Ettore Grillo author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily
– A Hidden Sicilian History
– The Vibrations of Words
– Travels of the Mind
SAINT ONUPHRIUS, THE SAINT OF LOST THINGS
Saint Onuphrius was an Egyptian monk that lived in absolute solitude in the desert for sixty years to purify his soul, feeding on dates and drinking water from a miraculous spring. His skin was parched and sunburned and his very long hair covered his whole body.
Saint Onuphrius is the protector of the city of Palermo. The celebrations in his honor last for one week every year.
The Sicilian girls who want to find a husband and those who have lost something address the following prayer to him:
Santu Nofriu, pilusu-pilusu
Tuttu amabili e amurusu
Pi’ li vostri santi pila
Facitimi sta grazia
Diccà a stasira
Saint Onophrius, hairy, hairy,
Very lovable, and loving.
By your holy hair,
Grant me this favor
By this evening.
Yesterday, I went to Lake Pergusa to do jogging. After I finished my workout and was about to open my car, I realized that I had lost the key. It happened while I was doing exercises with the apparatuses by the lakeside. At that moment, I was very worried. Then, I invoked Saint Onuphrius and asked him to make me find my lost key. Miraculously, I found it!
Was it a miracle by Saint Onuphrius? I think so.
Ettore Grillo author of these books:
– November 2: The Day of the Dead in Sicily
– A Hidden Sicilian History
– The Vibrations of Words
– Travels of the Mind
Ettore Grillo's Blog 