Saint Lucy's Day

Christianity · history · light · courage

Candles and light. Saint Lucy's Day happens on December 13 and celebrates light in the darkness. Her name actually means "light" in Latin, which made her the perfect symbol for a festival that brightens the darkest time of year.

Helping in hiding. According to legend, Lucy brought food and aid to Christians who were hiding in the Roman catacombs to escape persecution. She wore a candle-lit wreath on her head so she could see her way through the dark tunnels while keeping both hands free to carry as much food as she could.

A brave martyr. Lucy was a virgin martyr who lived in the early 300s AD during a time when Christians faced terrible persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. She died for her faith and is now remembered as a saint because of her courage and kindness.

Winter celebration. Saint Lucy's Day used to fall on the shortest day of the year before calendars were changed, so it became naturally connected to celebrating light returning after the long darkness of winter.