The Third Day of Magdalene

This image, part of Giotto's fresco cycle of the Life of Magdalene at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, depicts the arrival of the Boat from Bethany. The Medieval Aurea Legenda (Golden Legend), from which Giotto drew his script,  tells  the story of how after the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and her family and companions were set adrift on a rudderless boat. They arrived in southern France (center of a thriving Jewish community at the time) and began to teach and preach, each disciple eventually dispersing to lead congregations in different cities.

The  story lingers on in Provence  not only in art and legend, but also in food. The delicious, buttery navette cookie is baked in the shape of this rudderless boat and eaten on the feast days of all the saints who travelled together.

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