It's Lucy's Day

St. Lucy (283-304) was born in Syracuse, Sicily, where she also died. She was of a noble Greek family, and was brought up as a Christian by her mother, who was miraculously cured at the shrine of St. Agatha in Catania. Lucy made a vow of virginity and distributed her wealth to the poor. This generosity stirred the wrath of the unworthy youth to whom she had been unwillingly betrothed and who denounced her to Paschasius, the governor of Sicily. When it was decided to violate her virginity in a place of shame, Lucy, with the help of the Holy Spirit, stood immovable. A fire was then built around her, but again God protected her. She was finally put to death by the sword. Her name appears in the second list in the Canon.

tomorrow (13.12.), Saint Lucy’s Day, is celebrated in Scandinavian countries mainly. to remember her, traditionally a maiden (of a community) is chosen to represent St.Lucy who according to legend had brought food and aid to people in distress. she used a candle-lit wreath which she wore on her head to light the way and still leave her hands free to carry as much food as she could

this tradition is also celebrated in the family circle. the eldest girl in the family wears the candle-lit wreath and so the kids prepare breakfast and carry it to their parents

nowadays of course artificial candles are used. but still not too far back, real candles burned on the wreath and don’t think, they had protected their hair. usually long blond hair straight or curly was worn open to display a festive angelic appearance

but i bet you, put a candle-lit wreath on today's kids and you would have a disaster - no ?

Well I did'n't know that. Thanks for sharing.

The small town just north of where I grew up always used to celebrate it. Lindsborg had strong Swedish roots.

a reply to: ketsuko

yes, it seems it's mainly swedish people in the scandinavian area who celebrate this custom.

a reply to: lucia2389

How interesting you wrote about this.

I wove it into my Dreams thread. There will another component to it later as I progress in writing it.

I said you're smart earlier but now I'm thinking you're brilliant.

a reply to: muzzleflash

i'm well aware of your "Dreams thread" and i read often through the pages, repetitively even, always finding interesting ideas and inspirations to follow up.

your contribution about St Lucia is way more interesting than my little xmassy thing here.

i remember reading once that you wished for more interaction in that thread. well, i actually had once put something together to post for you, but then didn't, sometimes i get just too busy. i should post it one day, shouldn't i? i can't wait for the next post of yours in that thread.

as for your pleasant words above, if there is somebody brilliant here, then it is you !