The Story of Saint Lucy
Saint Lucy was a young Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily, who lived in the early 4th century. Her name means “light,” and from the earliest centuries, Christians honored her for her steadfast faith and compassion toward the poor.
According to tradition, Lucy secretly brought food to persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs. To carry as much as she could, she wore a wreath of candles on her head to light her path. She was eventually martyred for refusing to renounce her faith and became one of the most venerated saints in Europe, especially in regions that experience long, dark winters.
Her feast day, December 13, once marked the winter solstice, or longest night of the year, in the old Julian calendar. Over time, her story of light and bravery became a powerful symbol of hope.
Santa Lucia Passport Kit
Craft a paper crown, pray to Saint Lucy, and get your country of Sweden stamp for your Catholic passport in this printable activity kit for Catholic kids and families.
A Celebration of Light and Joy
In Sweden and other parts of Scandinavia, Santa Lucia Day is celebrated with song, procession, and shared food that bring warmth to the darkest days of the year.
Before dawn, a girl dressed in a white gown and red sash, wearing a crown of candles, leads a procession of children. She is followed by tärnor (attendant girls) holding candles and stjärngossar (star boys) wearing tall, pointed hats decorated with stars. The group sings the traditional “Sankta Lucia” song, filling churches, schools, and homes with light and peace.
Families and communities gather to share lussekatter, saffron-scented buns shaped like swirls of light. Coffee, hot cocoa, and ginger cookies add to the cozy atmosphere known in Swedish as mys—a feeling of warmth, togetherness, and contentment.
For Swedish Catholics, the day also includes prayer and reflection on Saint Lucy’s witness of faith. Her example reminds everyone that true light comes not from candles, but from Jesus Christ.
Key Elements
- Dates: December 13
- Scripture Readings: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14–16; Isaiah 9:1–2
- Prayers: The Lord’s Prayer; Prayer to Saint Lucy
Cultural Traditions
Here are some of the customs and symbols you might see during Santa Lucia in Sweden:
- Candle Crown: The child portraying Lucia wears a crown of candles. The glow represents Christ’s light shining in darkness.
- White Robe and Red Sash: White symbolizes purity, while red recalls martyrdom. Together, these colors tell Saint Lucy’s story of faithful witness.
- Songs of Light: The traditional “Sankta Lucia” song is sung across the country, celebrating the saint’s courage and the triumph of light.
- Lussekatter: These saffron buns are baked and shared among family and friends, a tangible reminder of warmth and generosity.
- Community Processions: Schools, parishes, and towns hold Lucia processions where children sing, read prayers, and share food.
Santa Lucia for Catholic Families and Catechists
Santa Lucia Day is celebrated during Advent, a season of light and waiting. It provides a beautiful opportunity for Catholic families and educators to connect faith and culture, showing how traditions around the world reflect the same hope in Christ’s coming.
Here are a few ways to bring the celebration to life:
- Begin with a reflection on light. Read John 8:12: “I am the light of the world.” Discuss how Jesus brings light to every corner of our lives and how we can share that light with others.
- Create your own Lucia procession. Invite children to dress in white, carry battery operated candles, and sing together. Emphasize service and joy as ways of “bringing light” to others.
- Bake together as a family or class. Make or share lussekatter (Saint Lucy buns) as a reminder of the warmth and sweetness of faith.
- Pray for those in darkness. Offer prayers for people who need light, including those who are lonely, suffering, or afraid.
These simple rituals connect children to the global Church and remind them that the story of Saint Lucy still shines today.
The Meaning for Catholics
For Catholics around the world, Saint Lucy’s feast offers a moment to pause and reflect during the busy days of Advent, a reminder that even one small light can push back darkness.
Saint Lucy’s example encourages us to bring light into our own communities. We can share kindness, offer help to those in need, and keep our hearts turned toward Christ. Her story also connects us to the universal Church, reminding us that the saints unite us across cultures, languages, and generations in one shared faith.
As children learn about Santa Lucia, they not only discover a beautiful Swedish tradition but also deepen their understanding of what it means to live as children of the light.
A Celebration of Light and Faith
