the village in a solemn procession; then the "Ida Blessing" is granted. The Vita sanctae Idae Hertzfeldensis written in 980, by the monk Uffing of the Abbey of Werden, focuses on her exemplary life, including suffering endured in divine trust. She was canonized on 26 November 980. Patronage Saint Ida is the patron saint of pregnant women, brides and widows, the poor and the weak. Iconography She is frequently depicted either as carrying a church or with a dove hovering over her head. During the 32-year war between the Saxons and the Franks, Ida extended her protection to the Saxons in their. The deer with which Ida is often portrayed represents the Saxons, who are besieged by the Franks. Even today the deer is in the coat of arms of Herzfeld. References 8th-century births 825 deaths 8th-century Saxon people 9th-century Saxon people Saints from the Carolingian Empire Women from the Carolingian Empire Female saints of medieval Germany Medieval German saints Saxon women