Our saints’ days series is back again! While there are multiple saints venerated every day, there are some that are more significant than others. As we saw earlier this week, St. Nicholas is considered a major holiday for many European nations. This upcoming week we have another major saints’ day on the horizon- St. Lucia’s Day. It remains one of my favourite days during Advent for several reasons. Let’s look at the history of St. Lucia’s Day and how you can celebrate it yourself!
The History of St. Lucia’s Day – 13 December
St. Lucia was martyred in third-century Sicily. She was accused of being a Christian by a potential husband, a dangerous thing when Christianity is illegal. Lucia was executed, but before she was killed, her eyes were gouged out. (That will come up later…) Her cult spread by the fifth century- several of her relics ended up in Venice, where she is still venerated to this day. By the seventh century, she was venerated in the English church.
St. Lucia’s Day Celebrations
St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in all of the Scandinavian countries, as well as in other Scandinavian communities that have relocated. On the 13th of December, young girls will dress as the Lucia girl to deliver coffee and Lucy buns (and other baked goods) after the service to those in need, oftentimes a seniors’ community. She is dressed in a white gown with a red sash (to represent her martyrdom) and a wreath with candles. Historically actual candles were used but now the battery-operate variety prevails.
Eyeballs…
You will actually sometimes see people make baked goods decorated with eyeballs to celebrate St. Lucia’s Day. I’ve been to celebrations with eyeball cookies and eyeball cupcakes, typically when they know children will be around. It’s an interesting discussion to have at the dessert tray…
Were you familiar with the history of St. Lucia’s Day?
Cheers,
The Historian
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