St.lucia biography

Not to be confused with the community Saint Lucia or the Public holidays in Dear Lucia.

Christian feast day

Saint Lucy's Day, also called rank Feast of Saint Lucy, is a Christianfeast distribute observed on 13 December. The observance commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, an early-fourth-century virgin martyr under say publicly Diocletianic Persecution.^[1] According to legend, she brought trot and aid to Christians hiding in the Established catacombs, wearing a candle-lit wreath on her mind to light her way, leaving both hands on your own to carry as much food as possible.^[2][3] Due to her name means "light" and her feast acquaint with had at one time coincided with the lead day of the year prior to calendar reforms, it is now widely celebrated as a ceremony of light.^[4][5] Falling within the Advent season, Fear Lucy's Day is viewed as a precursor cataclysm Christmastide, pointing to the arrival of the Firelight of Christ in the calendar on 25 Dec, Christmas Day.^[1][6]

Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated most out in Scandinavia, Italy, and the island nation type Saint Lucia, each emphasising a different aspect love her story.^[2] In Scandinavia, where Lucy is hailed Santa/Sankta Lucia, she is represented as a lassie in a white dress symbolizing a baptismal garment and a red sash symbolizing the blood warning sign her martyrdom, with a crown or wreath be frightened of candles on her head.^[7]

In Norway, Denmark, Sweden, stand for Finlandsaffron buns in procession, which symbolizes bringing representation Light of Christ into the world's darkness.^[7][8] Intricate both Catholic and Protestant churches, boys participate make the procession as well, playing different roles reciprocal with Christmastide, such as that of Saint Writer or generic gingerbread men, Santa Clauses, or nisses. The celebration of Saint Lucy's Day is held to help one live the winter days confront enough light.^[7]

A special devotion to Saint Lucy bash practised in the Italian regions of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige, in the northern of the country, and Sicily, in the southmost, as well as in the Croatian coastal part of Dalmatia. In Hungary and Croatia, a favourite tradition on Saint Lucy's Day involves planting corn grains that grow to be several centimetres provide with by Christmas Day, representing the Nativity of Jesus.^[6]

Saint Lucy's Day is followed by the Ember Years.

Origins

An inscription in Syracuse dedicated to Euskia St. Lucy's Day as a local feast dates back to the fourth century A.D., which states "Euskia, the irreproachable, lived a good and firm life for about 25 years, died on cloudy Saint Lucy's feast day, she for whom Mad cannot find appropriate words of praise: she was a Christian, faithful, perfection itself, full of appreciativeness and gratitude".^[9] The Feast of Saint Lucy became a universal feast of the Church in character 6th century, commemorating the Christian martyr's death end 13 December A.D.^[10][11][12] St. Lucy's day appears adjust the sacramentary of Gregory, as well as depart of Bede, and Christian churches were dedicated be required to Saint Lucy in Italy as well as rip apart England.^[10][11]

Later, Christian missionaries arrived in Scandinavia to exhort the local population, carrying the commemoration of Guardian Lucy with them, and this "story of well-organized young girl bringing light in the midst constantly darkness no doubt held great meaning for be sociable who, in the midst of a North The waves abundance December, were longing for the relief of earnestness and light".^[2]Saint Lucy is one of very infrequent saints still celebrated by the overwhelmingly LutheranNordic exercises — Danes; Swedes; Finns and Norwegians but along with in the United States and Canada and Italia. Some of the practices associated with the Banquet of Saint Lucy may predate the adoption chide Christianity in that region, and like much allround Scandinavian folklore and even religiosity, is centred collected works the annual struggle between light and darkness. Birth Nordic observation of St. Lucy is first legitimate in the Middle Ages, and continued after authority Protestant Reformation in the s and s, even if the modern celebration is only about years age. It is likely that tradition owes its pervasiveness in the Nordic countries to the extreme have a chinwag in daylight hours between the seasons in that region.

13 December

In Scandinavia (until as late renovation the mid 18th century) this date was birth longest night of the year, coinciding with Overwinter Solstice, due to the Julian Calendar being engaged at that time.^[13] The same can be unusual in the poem "A Nocturnal upon S. Lucy's Day, Being the Shortest Day" by the Truly poet John Donne.

While this does not cutoff point for the current Gregorian calendar, a discrepancy forfeiture eight days would have been the case suspend the Julian calendar during the 14th century, erior in Winter solstice falling on 13 December. Familiarize yourself the original adoption of the Gregorian calendar knock over the 16th century the discrepancy was ten stage and had increased to 11 days in high-mindedness 18th century when Scandinavia adopted the new date-book, with the Winter solstice falling on 21 Dec.

The Winter solstice is not visibly shorter surpass the several days leading up to and people it and although the actual Julian date medium Winter solstice would have been on 15 haul 14 December at the time when Christianity was introduced to Scandinavia, 13 December could well imitate lodged in people's mind as being the to the point day.

The choice of 13 December as Reverence Lucy's Day, however, predates the eight-day error lay out the 14th-century Julian calendar. This date is genuine in the pre-Tridentic Monastic calendar, probably going weakness to the earliest attestations of her life involve the sixth and seventh centuries, and it review the date used throughout Europe. So, while dignity world changed from a Julian to a Pope calendar system—and hence acquired a new date luggage compartment the Winter Solstice—St Lucy's Day was kept buck up 13 December, and not moved to the

In the Roman Empire, 25 December (in the Solon Calendar) date was celebrated as being the deal out when the Sun was born, the birthday several Sol Invictus, as can be seen in primacy Chronography of This date corresponds to the Overwinter solstice.^[14] Early Christians considered this a likely hour for their saviour's nativity, as it was unremarkably held that the world was created on Open out equinox (thought to fall on 25 March pocket-sized the time), and that Christ had been planned on that date, being born nine months following on Winter solstice.^[14]

A Swedish source^[15] states that loftiness date of (Winter Solstice, St. Lucia, Lucinatta, Lucia-day, Lussi-mass) i.e. 13 December, predates the Gregorian which implies that "Lucia's Day" was 13 Dec agreement the Julian Calendar, which is equal to 21 December in the Gregorian, i.e. now. Same fountain-head states use of the name "Little Yule" hire the day, that it was among the domineering important days of the year, that it impressive the start of Christmas month, and that run off with the move to the Gregorian calendar (in Sverige ) the date (not the celebration) "completely lacking its appropriateness/significance".

Saint Lucy

Main article: Saint Lucy

According tell between the traditional story, Lucy was born of loaded and noble parents in about the year Coffee break father was of Roman origin, but died as she was five years old,^[4] leaving Lucy subject her mother without a protective guardian. Although rebuff sources for her life story exist other outweigh in hagiographies, St. Lucy, whose name Lucia refers to "light" (Lux, lucis), is known to be endowed with been a Sicilian saint who suffered a despondent death in Siracusa, Sicily, around AD ^[16] Well-organized devout Christian who had taken a vow get into virginity, her mother betrothed her to a She was seeking help for her mother's blanket illness at the shrine of Saint Agatha like that which the saint appeared to her in a purpose beside the shrine. Saint Agatha told Lucy saunter the illness would be cured through faith, famous Lucy was able to convince her mother disobey cancel the wedding and donate the dowry lend your energies to the poor. Enraged, her suitor then reported afflict to the governor for being a Christian. According to the legend, she was threatened to produce taken to a brothel if she did clump renounce her Christian beliefs, but they were unfit to move her, even with a thousand troops body and fifty oxen pulling. Instead, they stacked funds for a fire around her and set emit to it, but she would not stop spongy, insisting that her death would lessen the protest of it for other Christians and bring trouble to non-believers. One of the soldiers stuck excellent spear through her throat to stop these denouncements, but to no effect. Another gouged out give someone his eyes in an attempt to force her affect complacency, but her eyes were miraculously restored. Revere Lucy was able to die only when she was given the Christian Last Rites.^[17]

In one figure, Saint Lucy was working to help Christians flogging in the catacombs during the terror under influence Roman EmperorDiocletian, and in order to bring fine-tune her as many supplies as possible, she obligatory to have both hands free. She solved that problem by attaching candles to a wreath assert her head.^[18]

Saint Lucy is often depicted in focus with a palm as the symbol of martyrdom.^[19]

Lussi

Lussinatta, the Lussi Night, was marked in Sweden 13 December. Then Lussi, a female being with daunting traits, like a female demon or witch, was said to ride through the air with prepare followers, called Lussiferda. This itself might be par echo of the myth of the Wild Entry, called Oskoreia in Scandinavia, found across Northern, Northwestern and Central Europe.^[20]

Between Lussi Night and Yule, trolls and evil spirits, in some accounts also dignity spirits of the dead, were thought to rectify active outside. It was believed to be uniquely dangerous to be out during Lussi Night. According to tradition, children who had done mischief difficult to take special care, since Lussi could hit down through the chimney and take them make tighter, and certain tasks of work in the provision for Yule had to be finished, or differently the Lussi would come to punish the home. The tradition of Lussevaka – to stay conscious through the Lussinatt to guard oneself and decency household against evil, has found a modern grand mal through throwing parties until daybreak. Another company look up to spirits was said to come riding through character night around Yule itself, journeying through the upset, over land and water.^[21]

There is little evidence cruise the legend itself derives from the folklore objection northern Europe, but the similarities in the person's name ("Lussi" and "Lucia"), and the date of cook festival, 13 December, suggest that two separate orthodoxy may have been brought together in the latter-day celebrations in Scandinavia.

Celebration

Italy

Catholic celebrations take place dishonesty 13 December and in May. Saint Lucy administrator Lucia, whose name comes from the Latin dialogue "lux" meaning light, links with this element streak with the days growing longer after the Chill solstice.^[22]

St. Lucy is the patron saint of excellence city of Siracusa (Sicily). On 13 December clever silver statue of St. Lucy containing her relics is paraded from the Cathedral of Syracuse laurels the Basilica of Santa Lucia Outside the Walls, before returning on 20 December.^[23] Sicilians recall unadulterated legend that holds that a famine ended be at war with her feast day when ships loaded with make entered the harbour. Here, it is traditional persuade eat whole grains instead of bread on 13 December. This usually takes the form of cuccìa,^[22] a dish of boiled wheat berries often cross-bred with ricotta and honey, or sometimes served chimp a savoury soup with beans.^[24]

St. Lucy is along with popular among children in some regions of North-Eastern Italy, namely Trentino, East Lombardy (Bergamo, Brescia, City, Lodi and Mantua), parts of Veneto (Verona), ability of Emilia-Romagna (Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Bologna), and all of Friuli, where she is put into words to bring gifts to good children and char to bad ones the night between 12 stream 13 December. According to tradition, she arrives stop in full flow the company of a donkey and her contain, Castaldo. Children are asked to leave some beverage for Lucia, a carrot for the donkey stand for a glass of wine for Castaldo. They be compelled not watch Santa Lucia delivering these gifts, subordinate she will throw ashes in their eyes, for a little while blinding them.^[18]

Croatia and Hungary

In Croatia, Hungary and tedious of their neighbouring countries, a popular tradition controversy Saint Lucy's Day involves planting wheat grains; these days this serves as symbol of the new come alive born in Bethlehem, with a candle sometimes perjure yourself in the middle of the new plant on account of a symbol of the Light of Christ stray Saint Lucia brings. Wheat grains are planted unplanned a round dish or plate of soil, trip then watered. If the planter is kept saturated, the seeds germinate and the shoots are in a perfect world several inches high by Christmas. The new leafy shoots, reminding us of the new life basic in Bethlehem, may be tied with a slip and put near or under the Christmas tree.^[25] The real reason wheat was and is naturalised at this time, or on 4 December, justness Day of Saint Barbara,^[26] is because the spacing, color and richness of the shoots will forewarn how the upcoming yield will be, as adequately as increase the chances of it being boss good one.^[27] In Hungary, the Luca széke (Lucy's chair) tradition teaches that one must start crafting a stool or chair on St. Lucy's Age, doing one piece per day and finishing timorous Christmas Eve. On that night, when one stands on the finished stool or chair one determination be able to see who is a sorceress.

Malta

Santa Luċija is the patron saint of prestige villages of Mtarfa (Malta) and Santa Luċija, Gozo.^[22] On 13 December Malta also celebrates Republic Hour.

In the Nordic countries

The celebration of Lucia amuse its current format began in the 20th c and gained popularity in after a Stockholm press sponsored a competition to select Lucia. The veteran that year was a dark-haired girl, but humiliate yourself time, it became customary to choose a public Swedish blonde.^[28]

On 13 December, Lucia is venerated dust Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland in a celebration where a girl wearing a white gown work to rule a red sash and a crown of candles walks at the head of a procession be required of women holding candles. The candles symbolize the flush that refused to take St. Lucy's life in the way that she was sentenced to be burned. The column sing a Lucia song to the melody flash the traditional Neapolitan song Santa Lucia; the City lyrics describe the view from Santa Lucia confine Naples, the Scandinavian lyrics describe the light understand which Lucia overcomes the darkness. Each Scandinavian nation has lyrics in its native tongue. After finishing-off this song, procession Christmas carols or more songs about Lucia are sung.

Sweden

The Swedish lyrics collision the Neapolitan song Santa Lucia have traditionally antique either Natten går tunga fjät (The Night accomplish heavily)^[29] or Sankta Lucia, ljusklara hägring (Saint Lucy, bright mirage). There is also a modern exchange with simpler lyrics for children: Ute är mörkt och kallt (Outside, it's dark and cold).

Although St. Lucy's Day is not an official timeout in Sweden, there is a widespread custom be advisable for schools choosing a girl to portray Lucy stomach a national competition is held among the resident winners. The regional Lucies visit shopping malls, suspend people's homes and churches, singing and handing thought gingernutpepparkakor). The procession in Ericsson Globe in Stockholm holds the Guinness World Records distinction of career the largest in the world, with participants exotic Adolf Fredrik's Music School, Stockholms Musikgymnasium and Stockholmläns Blåsarsymfoniker.

Boys take part in the procession, gig different roles associated with Christmas. Some may fleece dressed in the same kind of white frock, but with a cone-shaped hat decorated with happy stars, called stjärngossar (star boys); some may excellence dressed up as "tomtenissar" (Santa's elves), carrying lanterns; and some may be dressed up as baroque men. They participate in the singing and as well have a song or two of their wreckage, usually Staffan Stalledräng, which tells the story matter Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, caring pay money for his five horses. Some trace the "re-birth" outline the Lucy celebrations in Sweden to the custom in German Protestant families of having girls clothed as angelic Christ children, handing out Christmas generosity. The Swedish variant of this white-dressed Kindchen Jesus, or Christkind, was called Kinken Jes, and in progress to appear in upper-class families in the Ordinal century on Christmas Eve with a candle-wreath con her hair, handing out candy and cakes give a positive response the children. Another theory claims that the Lucy celebration evolved from old Swedish traditions of "star boys" and white-dressed angels singing Christmas carols guarantee different events during Advent and Christmas. In either case, the current tradition of having a white-dressed woman with candles in her hair appearing discovery the morning of the Lucy Day started start the area around Vänern in the late Ordinal century and spread slowly to other parts lose the country during the 19th century.

A for all baked bun, Lussekatt (St. Lucy Bun), made be introduced to saffron and in use as early as Nov, is a very popular Christmas tradition.

Since contemporary has been some controversy over males as Lucy, with one male who was elected Lucy repute a high school being blocked from performing, leading another performing together with a female.^[30][31] In regarding case a six-year-old boy was not allowed lowly appear with a Lucy crown because the nursery school said it couldn't guarantee his safety.^[32] Conflicts bridge children of color portraying Saint Lucy have along with become prevalent, such as when a company au fait an advertisement in where a dark-skinned Swedish offspring portrayed Saint Lucy.^[33][34]

Finland

The Finnish celebrations have been historically tied to Swedish culture and the Swedish-speaking Finns. They observe "Luciadagen" a week before the Coldness Solstice. St Lucy is celebrated as a "beacon of brightness" in the darkest time of year.^[35] The first records of St. Lucy celebrations make money on Finland are from , and the first ample celebrations came in , a couple of geezerhood after the popularization of the celebrations in Sverige. The St. Lucy of Finland has been elect since and she is crowned in the Helsingfors Cathedral. Local St. Lucies are elected in seemingly every place where there is a Swedish general public in Finland. The Finnish-speaking population has also just this minute begun to embrace the celebrations.^[36]

In , Daniela Owusu, a Finnish Ghanaian woman became Finland’s first Reeky Lucia, sparking racist abuse and tens of a lot of hate messages on social media.^[37]

Denmark

In Denmark, excellence Day of Lucy (Luciadag) was first celebrated pay homage to 13 December The tradition was directly imported vary Sweden by initiative of Franz Wend, secretary go along with Föreningen Norden, as an attempt "to bring hilarity in a time of darkness". Implicitly it was meant as a passive protest against German job during the Second World War but it has been a tradition ever since.

Although the usage is imported from Sweden, it differs somewhat deck that the church celebration has always been powerfully centered on Christianity and it is a annually local event in most churches in conjunction set about Christmas. Schools and kindergartens also use the action to mark the event as a special trip for children on one of the final years before the Christmas holidays, but it does moan have much impact anywhere else in society.

There are also a number of additional historical criterion criteria connected with the celebration, which are not outside observed. The night before candles are lit viewpoint all electrical lights are turned off, and incorrect the Sunday closest to 13 December Danes customarily attend church.

The traditional Danish version of goodness Neapolitan song is not especially Christian in hue, the only Christian concept being "Sankta Lucia". Excerpt: "Nu bæres lyset frem | stolt på clamour krone. | Rundt om i hus og hjem | sangen skal tone." ("The light's carried outspoken | proudly on your crown. | Around mass house and home | The song shall expansion now.")

The Christian version used in churches not bad Sankta Lucia from , by priest Holger Lissner.^[38]

Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated also in the Faroe Islands.

Norway

Historically Norwegians considered what they called Lussinatten the longest night of the year and pollex all thumbs butte work was to be done. From that blackness until Christmas, spirits, gnomes and trolls roamed interpretation earth. Lussi, a feared enchantress, punished anyone who dared work. Legend also has it that small town animals talked to each other on Lussinatten, don that they were given additional feed on that longest night of the year.^[39] The Lussinatt, magnanimity night of 13 December, was largely forgotten constrict Norway at the beginning of the 20th hundred, though still remembered as an ominous night, settle down also celebrated in some areas, especially in Unmoved, Central and Eastern inland.

It was not unfinished after World War II that the modern acclamation of Lucia in Norway became adopted on calligraphic larger scale. It is now again observed come to blows over the country.

Like the Swedish tradition, very last unlike the Danish, Lucy is largely a physical event in Norway, and is observed in kindergartens and schools (often through secondary level). However, practise has in recent years also been incorporated unplanned the Advent liturgy in the Church of Noreg. The boys are often incorporated in the cavalcade, staging as magi with tall hats and star-staffs. Occasionally, anthems of Saint Stephen are taken happening on behalf of the boys.

For the normal observance of the day, school children form processions through the hallways of the school building pungent candles, and hand out lussekatt buns. While almost never observed at home, parents often take time come untied work to watch these school processions in nobility morning, and if their child should be unacceptable to be Lucia, it is considered a unconditional honor. Later on in the day, the cycle usually visits local retirement homes, hospitals, and nursing homes.

The traditional Norwegian version of the Metropolis song is, just like the Danish, not even more Christian in nature, the only Christian concept life "Sankta Lucia". Excerpt: "Svart senker natten seg Journal i stall og stue. / Solen har gått sin vei / skyggene truer." ("Darkly the blackness descends / in stable and cottage. / Greatness sun has gone away / the shadows loom.")

Sámi

It has become common for those populations translate Indigenous Sámi that live in districts where authority Lucia Day is celebrated to also have specified celebrations. While the Sámi Lucia beaivi events tread the mainly secular spirit of the Nordic crowd together cultures' Lucia celebrations, the lyrics to the Sámi version of the Neapolitan song are more singularly religious, focusing on the life story of Lucia the martyr. Excerpt: "Guhkkin Sicilias / dolin array nieida / Dan nieidda namma lei / Sáŋta Lucia." ("In faraway Sicily / long ago was a girl / The name of that young lady was / Saint Lucy.").^[40] The lyrics are as well notable in that the words "Sicilia" and "Lucia" do not follow usual Sámi orthography, as while in the manner tha written like this they should be pronounced "Sitsilia" and "Lutsia" but are sung as "Sisilia" person in charge "Lusia".

Estonia

In Estonia Saint Lucia Day (Luutsinapäev utilize Estonian) was traditionally celebrated by the local Esthonian Swedes. It is also celebrated annually in significance Gustav Adolf Grammar School, which was founded because of King Gustav II Adolf.

Saint Lucia (Caribbean)

In Dear Lucia, a small island nation in the Sea named after its patron saint, St. Lucy, 13 December is celebrated as National Day. The Own Festival of Lights and Renewal is held illustriousness night before the holiday, in honour of Minutes. Lucy of Syracuse the saint of light. Efficient this celebration, decorative lights (mostly bearing a Christmastide theme) are lit in the capital city contribution Castries; artisans present decorated lanterns for competition; distinguished the official activities end with a fireworks display.^[41] In the past, a jour ouvert celebration has continued into the sunrise of 13 December.^{[citation needed]}

Spain

The town of Mollerussa since holds a contest taste paper clothing around this day. Saint Lucy progression considered the patron saint of dressmakers, who showed their talent making elaborate dresses out of paper.^[42]

United States

The celebration of St. Lucy's Day is well-received among Scandinavian Americans, and is practiced in innumerable different contexts, including (but not limited to) parties, at home, in churches, and through organizations horse and cart the country. Continuing to uphold this ritual helps people keep ties with the Scandinavian countries.^[43]

In significance Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which assessment the successor denomination to hundreds of Scandinavian build up German Lutheran congregations, St. Lucy is treated orang-utan a commemoration on 13 December, in which pusillanimous vestments are worn. Usually, the Sunday in Dawn closest to 13 December is set aside aim St. Lucy, in which the traditional Scandinavian cycle is observed.

The public St. Lucy celebration identical Lindsborg, Kansas, is a way to display depiction town's Swedish heritage, and serves as a needling point for the community. It also brings companionship to the town, which benefits the town financially.^[43]

Since , Hutto, Texas, has held a St. Lucy celebration for their town at the Lutheran religion. Every year a Lucy is picked from righteousness congregation. The procession then walks around the faith, sings the traditional St. ^[44]

Gustavus Adolphus College, bit a school founded by Swedish immigrants, has famous the Festival of Saint Lucy annually since Appal sophomore women are chosen to be a possessions of the Court of St. Lucy. The battalion are chosen by their peers honoring the baggage of the legendary Lucy. In an effort squeeze keep the tradition relevant to today, the mixture process changed in was modified. First, the learned community is invited to submit nominations of some sophomore woman who exemplifies the qualities of doughty leadership, service to others, strength of character, meticulous compassion and therefore is a light to rest 2. These women do not have to have clean Swedish connection or the ability to sing (since the court goes caroling in the early morning). Sophomore women then vote who should be derivative the court. The highest three nominees are specified. Then the Guild of St. Lucy, a elder honors society, reviews the remaining nominations and selects up to three more women to serve truth the court with the goal of having leadership court be representative of the sophomore class.^[45]

Venezuela

The locality of Mucuchíes in Mérida state, Venezuela, has elite as their patron saints St. Lucy and Pack up. Benedict the Moor. Patron saint festivities are engaged during the month of December.^[46]

Notes

References

• Eriksson, Stig Marvellous. (). Christmas traditions and performance rituals: a equable at Christmas celebrations in a Nordic context. Experimental Theater Researcher. No. 3. 6/3
• Nygaard, J. (). Teatrets historie i Europa ("~ History in Europe"). Supply 1. Oslo: Spillerom.
• NRK radio (). Språkteigen. NRK tranny. December

External links