December 13
Patron saint of the blind; martyrs; epidemics; writers
Copyright Hope Engaged.
Make Saint Lucia buns,
gingerbread cookies,
or other baked treats the night before or morning of.
In the morning (before everyone is awake), she hands the treats out to family members wearing a homemade garland crown with four burning candles on top (or fake to be safe).
Alternatively, the family can gift treats to neighbors, friends, or those in need.
Traditionally in Sweden, children and adults alike dress up in garb full of symbolism about the story of Santa Lucia.
Girls wear white nightgowns (purity) with a red sash (martyrdom) and greenery garland crowns. The eldest daughter would wear the special Santa Lucia crown with lit candles.
Boys (”starboys”) wear white clothes and star hats carrying star-tipped wands.
Print at home
DIY
Supplies needed:
Instructions:
Copyright Frontier Dreams.
In the evening, right after sunset, your family can process around the outside of your home singing “Saint Lucia” or another hymn holding candles + wearing crowns and hats.
Pray to St. Lucy to bless your home with the light of Jesus.
Sing Saint Lucia to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?":
Saint Lucia,
Saint Lucia,
Wearing white,
Wearing white.
Lighting up the darkest
Lighting up the darkest
Winter night,
Winter night.
Saint Lucia,
Saint Lucia,
Queen of lights,
Queen of lights.
Lighting up the darkness.
Lighting up the darkness.
Bring us light,
Bring us light.
Don’t use the stove or microwave either!
Turn off all electronics, cell phones, and televisions.
Challenge yourself to live an entire night without any of these distractions or conveniences.
Photo by Zac Cain on Unsplash
Fast facts:
Paintings of St. Lucy are often depicted with her eyeballs on a plate, since that’s part of her martyrdom story.
Make St. Lucy's Eyeballs Pasta with gnocchi (eyeballs) and tomato sauce (blood).
A bit morbid, but fitting for the feast day!
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