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Why is Saint Lucy feast day December 13?

Why is Saint Lucy feast day December 13?

The Feast of Saint Lucy became a universal feast of the Church in the 6th century, commemorating the Christian martyr’s death on 13 December 304 A.D. St. Lucy’s Day appears in the sacramentary of Gregory, as well as that of Bede, and Christian churches were dedicated to Saint Lucy in Italy as well as in England.

How is St. Lucy Feast Day 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.

What is the significance of St Lucia Day?

Lucia Day – also called Saint Lucy’s day – can be traced back to the 4th century. A Christian feast day, it commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, as legend has it, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head.

What feast day is Dec 13?

St. 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.

What do you eat on St. Lucy Day?

Lucia celebration this year with lots of candles, some Glögg and more of these classic Swedish St. Lucia treats. These tender traditional Swedish saffron yeast buns are eaten in the days before Christmas, and flavored with saffron, cinnamon, and raisins or currants.

Why does St. Lucy wear candles on her head?

It is said that St. Lucia took food to persecuted Christians in hiding, wearing candles on her head to light her way so she could have both hands free. In Sweden, this tradition is upheld as the start of the Christmas season.

What is Saint Lucy known for?

Saint Lucy, also known as Saint Lucia or Saint Lukia is the patron saint of the blind. Born to rich and noble parents in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 283 AD she lost her Roman father in infancy. She was raised by her Greek mother, Eutychia, who instilled in her the sense of sharing with the poor.

What is St Lucy the patron saint of?

the blind
Lucy means light. Saint Lucy, also known as Saint Lucia or Saint Lukia is the patron saint of the blind. Born to rich and noble parents in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 283 AD she lost her Roman father in infancy.