What is Leprosy and why is it associated with Mary Magdalene?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprosy
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Although the mode of transmission of Hansen's disease remains uncertain, most investigators think that M. leprae is usually spread from person to person in respiratory droplets.^[7] Studies have shown that leprosy can be transmitted to humans by armadillos.^[8][9][10] Leprosy is now known to be neither sexually transmitted nor highly infectious after treatment. Approximately 95% of people are naturally immune^[11] and sufferers are no longer infectious after as little as 2 weeks of treatment.

http://bonesdontlie.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/leprosy-in-the-high-middle-ages-part-iv-archaeology/
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Archaeological surveys of hospitals reveal trends in the choices of patron saints. In Britain, prevalent leprosy associated saint names include St. Mary Magdalene, St. Giles, St. James, St. Leonard, St. Lazare, St. Laurence, and St. Nicholas (Rawcliffe 2006:418-421, Farley and Manchester 1989:88).  Of these, St. Mary Magdalene appears to be the most popular choice. This is due to her status as an outcast, who realizes her sin and is cleansed by Christ in Luke 8.2 (Coogan 2001:111NT). It was believed that not only was she forgiven for her physical uncleanliness, but also her spiritual pollution. In Ireland, the main patron saints are St. Mary Magdalene, St. John the Baptist, St. Stephen and St. Giles. In the 13^th century, Ireland has evidence for two leper hospitals named St. Stephen’s; one near Dublin and one by Waterford (Murphy and Manchester 2002:195).  By knowing the patron saints, churches and hospitals can be identified as possible leprosaria.

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/armadillo/
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St. James was said to have been built in order to “pray for the king, the realm and all benefactors and to recite the Creed, a hundred Lord’s prayers and Salutations” (Lee and Magilton 1989:274). This confirms the medieval belief that leprosy was caused by sin and could only be cured through the separation and prayer that the Bible prescribed.

http://www.tppc.tv/?p=4942
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Armadillos can transmit leprosy to humans

This interesting information came from the New York Times.  To read the full article, click the link: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/health/28leprosy.html
Armadillos have never been among the cuddly creatures routinely included in petting zoos, but on Wednesday federal researchers offered a compelling reason to avoid contact with the armored animals altogether: They are a source of leprosy infections in humans.

Using genetic sequencing machines, researchers were able to confirm that about a third of the leprosy cases that arise each year in the United States almost certainly result from contact with infected armadillos. The cases are concentrated in Louisiana and Texas, where some people hunt, skin and eat armadillos.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an ancient scourge that has largely disappeared, but each year about 150 to 250 people in the United States and 250,000 in the world contract the illness. As long as the disease is identified relatively quickly, treatment with antibiotics – a one- to two-year regimen with three different drugs – offers an effective cure. But every year dozens of people in the United States do not recognize their skin lesions for what they are early enough and suffer lifelong nerve damage as a result.

http://www.hansensdisease.org/
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Support For People With Hansen's Disease/Leprosy Home | About Us | Support Group | Our Stories | On The Horizon | Facts About Hansen's Disease | Referrals | Photo Gallery | Contact Us A diagnosis of leprosy (also called Hansen's disease) is not the end of the world many would say, but try explaining this to someone who is diagnosed with it. One may have difficulty accepting the diagnosis, since ancient images of leprosy (that have nothing to do with the modern-day realities of the disease) can result in unwarranted stigma, prejudice and pressures. It is not only difficult to fight the disease physically, but it is a battle emotionally as well. The purpose of the support group is to get just that--support. Feeling that you are not alone can take an enormous amount of stress away. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_fairy_armadillo Excerpt:

http://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/tag/claws/  (I was looking for Pink Fairy Armadillos and came across this very interesting link that includes Santa Claws, btw, my mother's b'day is Dec. 6) hmmmmmmm, ...cal
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December 6^th, was Krampusnacht, a holiday celebrated in Alpine regions of

http://gizmodo.com/5865333/six-tools-to-help-terrorize-children-during-krampusnacht/gallery/1
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Six Tools to Help Terrorize Children During Krampusnacht

Oh man, do you know what tonight is? IT'S KRAMPUSNACHT!!! Wait, you mean you've never heard of Krampusnacht? It's only the most amazing day of the holiday season.
First things first, you should read this and this. Yes, Krampusnacht is the night in which Krampus, a cloven-hoofed demon gets piss-drunk and terrorizes children who have been naughty and makes them regret ever being excited for Christmas. Guess what? YOU can become Krampus this year. Here are six tools to help. Top Image via Krampus.com

http://paganwiccan.about.com/b/2011/12/04/december-5-krampusnacht.htm
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December 5 is the night on which parts of Germany and Bavaria celebrate Krampusnacht, which is a throwback to a pre-Christian tradition. The word Krampus means claw, and apparently certain Alpine villages have big parties featuring a scary clawed incubus who hangs around with Santa Claus. The Krampus costume also includes sheepskin, horns, and a switch that the incubus uses to swat children and unsuspecting young ladies. The Krampus' job is to punish those who have been bad, while Santa rewards the people on his "nice" list. There's been a resurgence in interest in Krampus over the past century or so, but it seems as though the custom goes back hundreds of years: Krampusnacht.

http://www.thegreenchildren.org/tgcf/foundationpress/tag/animals/
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