History of Santa Lucia: Luciadagen — St. Lucy’s Day
HISTORY OF LUCIADAGEN: ST LUCY’S DAY
In Sweden, December 13 is Luciadagen, St. Lucia’s Day, or St. Lucy’s Day in English.
It is the beginning of the Swedish holiday season. The Lutheran Danes and Norwegians also celebrate this day.
History of Santa Lucia
St. Lucia was a young woman who lived in first-century Rome. She was a Christian who would not give up her faith to marry an unbeliever. She was tortured and killed by order of the Roman magistrate Paschasius, who had ordered her to burn a sacrifice to Emperor Diocletian‘s image. As the ultimate torture, her eyes were gouged out, but she was miraculously still able to see. Pictures of her depict her holding her eyes on a golden plate as she remains the patron saint of the blind. Dante consequently mentions Lucia in the Second Canto of his Divine Comedy.
Missionaries brought stories of her courage to Sweden, where she became known as the Lucia Bride. Older people said the Lucia Bride would go out early in the morning to bring food and drink to the poor. She wore white robes and a crown of light. Lucy, like the Latin lux, means light. Under the old calendar, her day was the shortest of the year.
Santa Lucia in Swedish Tradition
The story is acted out in Swedish homes with the oldest daughter playing the Lucia Bride. Early in the morning on December 13, she brings her parents a tray of sweet saffron buns and some coffee. She wears a white gown and a crown of greens, often made of holly. Her sisters and brothers dress in white and follow her. The girls carry lit candles, and the boys wear tall, pointed caps and are called “star boys.”
Santa Lucia in Sicily
St. Lucia is also honored in Sicily, where she was born, and is the patron saint of Syracuse, where she is known as Santa Lucia. Christians there gather to celebrate her day with bonfires and torchlight parades.
Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian
billpetro.com
Very helpful! Thank you!
You’re welcome.
-Bill
I stumbled upon this Swedish tradition and wanted to know more about it. Your description was the most thorough I have found on the historical figure St. Lucia. Also, what a great example of faith! Is there any knowledge on her age at the time of her Martyrdom? I would guess that she was quite young. Another question: does Lucia Bride mean (in English) Lucy the Bride?
Pete,
It is hard to pin down ages but the records we have suggest she was 20 or 21 at the time of her death.
-Bill
Thank you Bill. Know I understand what my Grandchild is doing in Sweden.
Robert
A Swedish lady sent me a link to the St. Lucia parade and concert that took place on December 13th.. I was blessed to watch the event in a few hours after it took place. I am of Swedish ancestry but of the fourth generation born in North America, trying to learn more of my heritage. This is an amazing age, considering the world wide contacts we have, accessible by all. Thrilling to me is the fact that the dear lady that sent me the link is in her 97th year of an inspiring life.
Thank you Bill for presenting this information.
Doug Erickson