Why is Santa Lucia important?

Why is Santa Lucia important?

Lucy, Italian Santa Lucia, (died 304, Syracuse, Sicily; feast day December 13), virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily) and of virgins.

Why is Lucia celebrated?

Alongside Midsummer, the Lucia celebrations represent one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth. Lucia is an ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters.

What is the Santa Lucia Festival?

In Sicily the Santa Lucia Festival is a great time, not only for fun and food, but mostly for spiritual renewal. The annual Mass for Santa Lucia is held at Chiesa Madre Church in Carlentini.

How is St Lucia celebrated?

St. Lucia's Day is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles on her head. Small children use electric candles but from about 12 years old, real candles are often used!

How is Santa Lucia celebrated?

Families observe St. Lucia's Day in their homes by having one of their daughters (traditionally the eldest) dress in white and serve coffee and baked goods, such as saffron bread (lussekatter) and ginger biscuits, to the other members of the family. These traditional foods are also given to visitors during the day.

Where is Lucia celebrated?

Lucia's Day, festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy).

Who celebrates Santa Lucia?

Sweden Lucia's Day, festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy).

When is Santa Lucia Day in Sweden?

• The modern day celebration of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy’s Day) on December 13 is generally associated with Sweden and Norway, but is also observed in some parts of Italy, where it is actually a very ancient tradition that dates back to 1337.

Why do we celebrate St Lucia's Day?

• St. Lucia's Day. Written By: St. Lucia’s Day, festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy). One of the earliest Christian martyrs, St. Lucia was killed by the Romans in 304 ce because of her religious beliefs.

What is the origin of Santa Lucia?

• The modern day celebration of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy’s Day) on December 13 is generally associated with Sweden and Norway, but is also observed in some parts of Italy, where it is actually a very ancient tradition that dates back to 1337. The feast is a Catholic celebrated holiday with roots that can be traced back to Sicily.

What does Santa Lucia wear in Sweden?

• 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.