Lacryma Christi

[Roma]

Greetings DI,

@Quantum12 posted recently and that inspired to share this story and these memories.

Lacryma Christi is a wine made from special grapes that grow on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.  The name translates to "The Tears of Christ".  As the story goes, when Jesus ascended into Heaven he looked down on the Bay of Naples.  When he saw how beautiful it was he shed tears of joy.  His tears fell upon the slopes of Vesuvius and that's where these grapes grew.

I made the trek to the top of Vesuvius a number of years ago.  It's not an easy hike.  (And in the summer it's hot!!)  The road only goes about three quarters of the way up, and the rest you have to make on foot.  The path to the top is a switchback that winds its way up, where the crater is.  

The view from the top does not disappoint.  You look out on the whole Bay of Naples.  To the right you see the city of Naples, to the left is Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and out in the bay you see the isle of Capri.  It really is stunning to say the least.

Unfortunately I don't have pics to share of that view, but here is one from the other side...the top of Capri.
Enjoy..

[Quantum12]

@Roma 

This is beautiful. I love this story. Thank you for sharing this.

[Roma]

Update:  I've dug up some pics from the trek up Vesuvius for your enjoyment...

On the way up looking towards Naples:


A dried lava flow.  No idea if it was from *the* eruption or from a later event.


From the top, looking out towards Naples.


The crater itself.


Looking out, the Amalfi coast on the left, Capri in the center.


From the top, looking towards Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.



Cheers!

[quintessentone]

It's beautiful, thanks for sharing. 

"There are, in fact, two versions of the genesis of the Lacryma Christi name, both tied, of course, to the figure of the Christ. 
 The first tells that Lucifer, before abandoning Heaven for good, stole a piece of it as a last sign of disrespect to God; while disappearing into the dirty, dark entrails of Hell, he left behind  a bottomless pit, from which Mount Vesuvius was born. When Christ saw the Gulf of Naples, He recognize Heaven in its beauty and wept countless tears, from which rich vineyards were born, the vineyards of the Lacryma Christi wine. 
 
A second legend says that, on day, Jesus traveled, under a false identity, to the home of a hermit who lived on Mount Vesuvius. Once there, he said he was thirsty and asked for water: the hermit was so welcoming and nice, that Jesus turned the water in wine for him, creating the Lacryma Christi. "

The day Christ wept and a beautiful wine was born: Naples’ Lacryma Christi | L'Italo-Americano – Italian American bilingual news source

An armchair wine tasting video.

[Quantum12]

@Roma

Beautiful photos!

[Nerb]

A second legend says that, on day, Jesus traveled, under a false identity, ........

So Jesus was a liar when he did that wasn't he? Interesting.

[quintessentone]

So Jesus was a liar when he did that wasn't he? Interesting.

"Today we will talk about Bible verses about angels in disguise. Many Christians may not realize that angels can come to us in unexpected forms. These angels aren’t always adorned with wings and halos; rather, they can be our neighbors, friends, or even strangers who appear in our lives at just the right moment. The Bible encourages us to be aware of these heavenly visitors, as they may be sent to deliver messages or aid us in times of need. As we delve into God’s Word, let’s keep our hearts and minds open to the lessons shared and the guidance provided, as we explore the essence of angels that walk among us."

30 Powerful bible verses about angels in disguise (Full Commentary) - Bible Study For You

Perhaps it was a necessity so as to be able to deliver important messages that would otherwise not be heard or ignored.