What is Saint Lucia’s Day?

Saint Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13th, is a Christian feast day that commemorates Saint Lucia (Saint Lucy), a 3rd-century martyr who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox churches. This day is particularly celebrated in Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia, as well as in regions with strong Italian influences, as Saint Lucia was from Sicily. The festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season and is symbolized by light, with young girls in white dresses and red sashes carrying candles. In the darkest winter months, Saint Lucia’s Day is a celebration of light overcoming darkness, a theme that resonates with hope and renewal.

History and Origin

Saint Lucia was a Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution. According to legend, she secretly brought food to persecuted Christians in hiding, wearing a wreath of candles on her head to light her way and keep her hands free to carry things. Her feast day coincides with the Winter Solstice on the old Julian calendar, thereby becoming a festival of light. In Sweden and other Nordic countries, this day evolved over time to become a significant part of their Christmas traditions, blending elements of the saint’s story with pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations.

Who Celebrates Saint Lucia’s Day?

• Swedish and Scandinavian Communities: Celebrating with processions and singing.
• Catholic and Orthodox Christians: Honoring the martyrdom of Saint Lucia.
• Schools and Choirs: Performing traditional Lucia songs and concerts.
• Italian Communities: Especially in regions with historical connections to Saint Lucia.
• Families: Participating in home celebrations, often with children dressing up as Lucia and her attendants.

Slogans and Themes

The themes of Saint Lucia’s Day are light, hope, and charity. Slogans such as “Bringing Light to Darkness” and “A Celebration of Light” are indicative of the day’s meaning. The focus is on the symbolic triumph of light over the darkest time of the year and the spirit of kindness and generosity embodied by Saint Lucia.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors:

• White: Representing purity and light, seen in the traditional Lucia dress.
• Red: Symbolizing martyrdom, seen in the sash worn with the Lucia dress.

Symbols:

• Candle Wreath: Worn on the head, symbolizing the light brought by Saint Lucia.
• Candles and Lights: Representing the theme of bringing light to darkness.
• Lucia Buns (Lussekatter): Saffron-flavored buns traditionally eaten on this day.

Patterns:

• Star and Light Motifs: Reflecting the theme of light.
• Traditional Swedish Designs: Often used in decorations and attire.

Most Used Hashtags

• #SaintLuciasDay
• #LuciaDay
• #FestivalOfLight
• #December13
• #SwedishTradition

How to Celebrate

• Lucia Processions: Participate in or watch Lucia processions, often led by a girl dressed as Saint Lucia.
• Sing Traditional Songs: Enjoy or perform traditional Lucia and Christmas songs.
• Bake Lucia Buns: Make and share Lussekatter, the saffron-flavored buns.
• Attend Church Services: Participate in special church services commemorating Saint Lucia.
• Light Candles: Illuminate homes with candles to symbolize the light overcoming darkness.

Saint Lucia’s Day is a heartwarming celebration that brightens the winter season with its message of light, hope, and generosity. It’s a day that infuses the long, dark winter with warmth and joy, paving the way for the Christmas festivities.