ST. LUCY FEAST DAY DECEMBER 13TH

A name that means “light”, St. Lucy is the patron saint of those blind or suffering with eye trouble. Not much is known about her life, except that she was determined to remain a virgin and thus refused marriage. History tells the story of a frustrated suitor who eventually accused St. Lucy of being a Christian (a crime at the time) and she was executed in Syracuse, Sicily in the year 304.

Today, we celebrate a number of traditions that incorporate a symbolic meaning of St. Lucy as the “bearer” of light in the darkness of winter. This is particularly seen in Scandinavian countries, with long dark winters. There, a young girl dressed in a white dress and a red sash (as a symbol of martyrdom) carries palms and wears a crown or wreath of candles on her head. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, girls dressed as St. Lucy carry rolls and cookies in procession as songs are sung.

Another tradition associated with St. Lucy is “St. Lucy’s wheat” or winter wheat. It is prepared in traditional dishes to be eaten on St. Lucy’s day. Another tradition is to plant the winter wheat in a cup and it will grow in time for Christmas Day when children bring their wheat to the manger.