Today, December 13, marks a very special day; it a celebration of light, light that overcomes the darkness. It is a day when the patron Saint of Light, St. Lucy is honored. It is also called The Feast of St. Lucy which is celebrated on the thirteenth day of December, in Advent. Lucy, or Lucia, in Italian, was martyred for for her faith as a Christian in the year 304 A.D. The story of this young Sicilian martyr still shines as a bright beacon for us all.
The story is told that Lucia brought food to the persecuted Christians who lived in hiding in Rome. She would go down into the catacombs and wear candles upon her head to light the way; she needed to use both of her hands to carry food. She was killed during Roman persecution in the Diocletian era.
This beloved saint is celebrated in Italy where there are bonfires and fireworks. Children leave out milk and biscuits for her the night before the thirteenth of December; she is like Santa, bringing sweets and gifts to good children. The children set out hay and flowers for her donkey.
In Sweden, St. Lucia is celebrated everywhere. Even a national Lucia is chosen each year. This Lucia visits the aged and the sick, bringing them ‘pepparkakor’, gingersnap cookies.
All over Sweden, in churches, schools, offices, and at home, there are Lucia festivals. These are beautiful services of light…often, people are brought to tears when the children begin to sing, ‘Santa Lucia.’
You are seated in a room and the light dims…You hear the sound of children singing as they come into the room, singing ‘Santa Lucia’. There is only candlelight, as a young girl dressed in a long white robe, wearing a crown of lit candles, enters the room. She carries a tray of biscuits, flavored with saffron, and dotted with raisins.
She is followed by other boys and girls, all dressed in white gowns. The boys carrying stars are called star boys. The littlest children carry lanterns. All the while, the children sing carols, and suddenly the dark days of winter are warmed by this festive occasion of light and music.
St. Lucia Day is also a special day in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Bosnia, and Croatia. According to the old ‘Julian’ calendar, December thirteenth coincided with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This made for the perfect celebration of St Lucia, the name Lucy itself, meaning light.
Throughout my childhood, I participated in St. Lucia festivals because I am of Swedish descent. I still find myself on this day humming the Santa Lucia song. In the dark days of winter, it is a beautiful song, heralding the light that pierces the darkness.
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”
I am Swedish, too! And I got to be Saint Lucia for a festival once when I was 10 or 11? I still remember it because I was nervous about walking with candles on my head in front of everyone!
Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve with Swedish meatballs and traditional Swedish food? We do every year, and my husband dresses up as Santa! We always have lingonberries, and rice pudding with an almond in it. Whoever eats the almond either is the next one to marry, or if they are married, it is good luck. We have Swedish ornaments made of straw, (along with other ornaments), and we have a straw goat…to guard the Christmas tree! 🙂
No, we don’t. Maybe we should? It sounds like fun! We did the Saint Lucia thing at a family reunion. I really want to try lingonberries now!
I love the Swedish traditions, but as in the story of St. Lucia, the celebrations vary from place to place, nonetheless, all are beautiful. I grew up with these traditions, and they remind me of the ones who are no longer here at Christmas…my father, my grandparents, my Godparents, one brother, etc. These time-honored traditions keep them close.
lovely explanation, thanks for increasing my knowledge!
There is more to her story! There is much to read about her. She is honored in many countries and that is a beautiful thing.
it’s a name I’ve always liked 🙂
Lucy is one of my favorite names also. The fact that it means ‘light’ is wonderful. I am intrigued with the meaning of names; it is such an interesting thing. 🙂
or what a name means to that person …
Yes! 🙂
I didn’t know the story of St. Lucy. Thank you for sharing it. I love the notion of a patron saint of light.
Yes, she is known as the patron saint of light, and also I believe, the patron saint of the blind. She brings a message of hope that when one opens their eyes to the light of Christ, new life is possible.
🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
Linda, thank you so much for sharing this. This is my first time learning about St Lucia. The saint of Light, and perhaps, of transition too as I’m sensing that we are passing from darkness to joy.
Her beautiful soul touched many, and continues to do so today. 🙂
She has begun with me too🙂
Okay, Linda, I’m hungry now. I do adore the stories of the “faith-to-feet” individuals of the early church. They always tend to put us to shame when in comparison. True heroes of the faith. Fantastic. God’s grip – Alan
It is awe-inspiring these saints who went before us and performed such noble deeds. They do put us to shame! Still, as we hear their stories, it gives us courage in our daily walk with God. We know that He is with us whatever happens…we know that our footsteps matter to Him.
I think that’s a beautiful tradition! You were lucky to grow up with it, I think. Light is the essence of the season!
Yes! Beautiful memories!
I loved reading this! I am attracted by the light, but ironically (or maybe it’s because) I am sensitive to the light as well. My name, Luanne, is created by putting my grandmother’s name, Lucille, with Anne. My “alternate name” is Lucy. So this was fascinating to me. I knew a bit about the Swedish tradition, but never put two and two together. Thank you!
You have a beautiful name! I love family names. I hope you have a holiday season that is full of light…:)
Linda, thank you so much! My best to you.
My best to you also! Wishing you joy! Wishing you peace!