Why Crispinian Leather?
St. Crispin and St. Crispinian are the Patron Saints of Leatherworkers
St. Crispin and St. Crispinian's legacy as leatherworkers and martyrs has led them to be regarded as the patron saints of shoemakers, cobblers, and leatherworkers in general. The association with leathercraft is clear: they were skilled artisans who would evangelize while working.
Crispinian leather seeks to align themselves with the values of craftsmanship, dedication, and integrity that the saints exemplified in both their work and their faith.
The Story of St. Crispin and St. Crispinian
St. Crispin and St. Crispinian were brothers, born in the 3rd century (around 250 AD), and are believed to have been born in Rome. They were cobblers, they used their craft to support themselves while spreading the Christian faith. According to tradition, the brothers traveled to what is now France, where they continued their work, making shoes while preaching Christianity to the local population.
Despite the threat of persecution, they continued preaching. Eventually, they were arrested for their faith and, according to legend, they had millstones tied around their necks and cast into the sea. They were able to swim to the other side. They were captured again and survived a burning, for the flames brought no harm. They were executed by beheading. This martyrdom was seen as an ultimate testament to their commitment to their faith. The two saints were later venerated, and their feast day is celebrated on October 25th.