The feast day of Saint Lucy is celebrated on December 13th. She is the patron saint of Martyrs, the blind, epidemics and writers. Lucy is a name that comes from the Latin word for “light.” Lucia is an Italian saint from the ancient city of Syracuse known for her bravery in defending her faith at a young age. She is celebrated throughout the world on one of the darkest and coldest days of the year, as a symbol that Christ can light up even the darkest places.
Below are four creative, fun ways to celebrate Saint Lucy!
Plant Christmas wheat
In Hungary, people plant wheat on St. Lucy’s feast day and care for it daily until Christmas; By then a green shoot will be several inches tall. Follow the steps below to plant Christmas wheat.
Supplies needed:
- Shallow round pot
- Acrylic paint (optional)
- Paint brush (optional)
- Wheat grains
- Soil
Instructions:
- Paint the pot if you want. When dry, fill it with soil.
- Place the wheat grains in the soil and press them lightly to be just under the surface. Keep the pot indoors in a warm room, and water it daily. Keep the soil damp but not soggy.
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
Bake Santa Lucia Buns
On the night before Saint Lucy's feast day, bake Santa Lucia buns (or any sweet pastries of your choice). In the morning, pass out a pastry to each family member. (If you have a daughter, ask her to wear a nightgown and pass treats out to the family).
Turn off all electricity after dark
St. Lucy was from Italy, so no one is certain how the legend of Santa Lucia made it to Sweden. It is believed that Lucia and her feast day were adopted as a way to let in some light at the beginning of the dark, cold Swedish winter. December 13 was thought to be one of the coldest and darkest days of the year.
Do not use any electricity after dark. Turn off all the lights and only use candles for light. Use the time for prayer and meditation, and maybe get some extra sleep.
Make Saint Lucy's day headwear
Follow the instructions below to make a Santa Lucia crown for the girls or a star hat for the boys.
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
For the girls: Saint Lucia Crown
Supplies needed:
- Vintage wooden clothespins
- White spray paint
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue
- Cardboard box or molding foam
- Acrylic paint in oranges and yellows
- Paint brush
- Artificial garland
- Wire wreath base or wire formed into a sturdy oval
Instructions:
- Spray paint the clothespins white.
- Use a hot glue gun to create faux wax "drips" on the sides of the clothespins. Then spray paint white again.
- Cut out teardrop shapes from the cardboard and paint them yellow and orange to make little flames. Hot glue a flame to the top of each clothespin.
- Drape the artificial garland over the wreath base to make a wreath crown and secure with hot glue.
- Clip the clothespin candles onto the crown. Wear and enjoy!
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
For the boys: Star boy hat
Supplies needed:
- Template here
- White poster board or heavy paper, at least 22x28"
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Yellow or gold paper or felt
- Elastic band or ribbon to tie
- Glue
- Hole punch
Instructions:
- On the poster board, mark a small dot in the middle of one long edge and a dot in one of the opposite corners. Draw an arched line between the dots. Cut along the line; this will be the bottom edge of the cone. Roll the paper into a cone, and glue along the connecting edges. Use the template to cut two stars out of the paper or felt, and glue on the cone. Hole- punch opposite sides of the cone near the bottom. String an elastic band or ribbon through the holes to make a tie.
However you celebrate, be sure to snap, post and tag us on Instagram @beaheartdesign so we can feature on our page!
Photo by Hannah Hoggatt
Looking for inspiration on how to celebrate the liturgical seasons and feast days?
Living The Seasons: Simple Ways To Celebrate The Beauty Of Your Faith Throughout The Year is a full-color guide to creatively celebrate our faith. Each page is filled with beautiful inspiration with effortless directions to celebrate feast days, holy days and seasons within the Church. This will be your resource for living liturgically! Now available to order on our website.
