Lucia comes from the Latin word "lux," which means Light. And Light is everything the legend of Santa Lucia is about. Here's a look at her legacy.
December 13th is the day of Santa Lucia, celebrating the return of the Light and the dance between the darkness of winter and the light of summer (winter is introverted and summer is extroverted). However, before discussing the lessons of Santa Lucia's legend, let me first introduce you to the tradition as it's celebrated throughout Scandinavia as I know it.
All photos: Noridc winters. Unsplash
When I was a young teenager with curly blond hair, I was lucky enough to win the school raffle to be the Santa Lucia bride. It was a huge honor! Because of the long, dark winters in Scandinavia, the legend of Santa Lucia is especially strong and an integral part of our winter traditions. Every school and institution —yes, every self-respecting place—will have a Santa Lucia parade.
Santa Lucia was originally born into a noble family from Syracuse in Italy. She was a Catholic saint who supposedly suffered martyrdom on December 13th in the 14th century, which was the shortest day of the year at that time, known as the Winter Solstice.
Today, December 21st is the shortest day of the year, and we celebrate her tradition on that date. You can see what a Lucia parade looks like in the video clip below. This parade is from Sweden but is identical to those in Denmark, Norway, and Finland. Italy has its own special Santa Lucia traditions.
The 'Lucia bride' is the one with the lights in her hair, as you can see below.
Experiencing Scandinavian Winter
Winter in Scandinavia is unlike anything else—a season of contrasts that challenges and inspires.
If you’ve never experienced it, the thought of long nights with minimal daylight might feel daunting. But within these dark months lies a unique beauty. On freezing nights, the stars sparkle vividly, their light refracting in the ice crystals like a celestial dance. These nights are breathtakingly magical, offering a beauty unparalleled by any other season.
The Symbolism of Winter
Winter holds a unique place in the cycle of the seasons, embodying a time of deep introspection and profound transformation. As described in other blogs, it is a magical and mystical period when life seemingly retreats, offering space for new beginnings to take root. In the quiet stillness of winter, the Earth’s womb nurtures divine seeds, preparing them to bloom in the vibrancy of spring. This cyclical process is a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of life—a perpetual Circle of Life that invites us to reflect, grow, and renew.
Can you see the Circle of Life at play here? Each season stands out in its own right, with its distinct characteristics and lessons. Yet, they are all intrinsically linked, forming a seamless tapestry that represents the Oneness of Life. Winter, with its profound symbolism, teaches us the value of stillness and the power of transformation, urging us to embrace the natural rhythms that guide our existence.
Shutterstock and Unsplash
Celebrating Santa Lucia
The celebrations of Santa Lucia in Italy and Scandinavia offer fascinating contrasts, showcasing diverse interpretations of this beloved figure. While these traditions take place during the Christmas season, it’s important to note that Santa Lucia herself is not inherently connected to Christmas. Instead, her essence is deeply intertwined with the Winter Solstice, a time of renewal and light returning to the world after the longest night.
The symbolism of Lucia is one of the most enchanting remnants of ancient European traditions, where winter and the changing seasons held profound spiritual significance. These traditions viewed the seasons as more than just divisions of the year; they were seen as mirrors of the human experience, offering lessons deeply rooted in the Circle of Life. Each season carried its own wisdom, revealing how humanity—and the psyche itself—is inherently connected to the cycles of nature.
Through the lens of Santa Lucia, we glimpse a powerful narrative of resilience, renewal, and the enduring light that guides us through the darkness. Her story reminds us of the profound wisdom found in honoring the rhythms of life and finding meaning in the transitions that define our journeys.
Photo 1: A very cute Danish setup of the Santa Lucia parade. © Mette Trier-Henningsen. Photo 2 and 3: Unsplash
The Lucia Song: A Message of Light and Hope
The Lucia parade is always accompanied by the enchanting "Song for Santa Lucia." While the Danish version is more concise, the English rendition retains its original depth, offering vital insights into Santa Lucia's story and symbolism:
On the darkest night, Lucia arrives, her light a beacon of hope and renewal.
Her presence creates an atmosphere charged with anticipation, symbolizing the return of the light.
Illuminated by the lights in her hair, she embodies purity and transformation.
Darkness recedes in her presence, signifying the triumph of light over shadow.
Lucia’s arrival also opens “earthly portals,” connecting us to the divine. Her “wonderful words” carry lessons that transcend time, guiding humanity to embrace higher consciousness. These themes, woven into the lyrics, reflect the deep spiritual essence of Santa Lucia's legacy.
Santa Lucia's symbol is the eyes. Photos: Public Domains
The Symbolism of Santa Lucia
Lucia's story is as profound as it is tragic. Blinded in her martyrdom, she is often depicted holding her eyes on a plate—a haunting reminder of her suffering.
However, this image holds a deeper, symbolic meaning. By losing her physical sight, Lucia gained the ability to see beyond the visible realm. She perceived the unseen, offering “wonderful words” from her divine insights.
This symbolic blindness echoes myths like that of Medusa, where sight becomes a portal to hidden wisdom. Lucia teaches us to look inward, to discover the light within ourselves amidst life’s darkness. Her message is one of hope, resilience, and the eternal promise of renewal.
A Wish for Light and Inspiration
May the light of Santa Lucia shine brightly in your heart, illuminating your path and inspiring your spirit. As we celebrate her story, let us embrace her message of hope and transformation, finding our own inner light to guide us through life’s darkest moments.
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Song for Santa Lucia
Nightly, go heavy hearts
Round farm and steading
On earth, where sun departs,
shadows are spreading.
Then on our darkest night,
Comes with her shining light
Sankta Lucia! Sankta Lucia!
Then on our darkest night,
Comes with her shining light
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia.
Night-darkling, huge and still.
Hark, something's stirring!
In all our silent rooms,
Wingbeats are whisp'ring!
Stands on our threshold there,
White clad, lights in her hair,
Sankta Lucia! Sankta Lucia!
Stands on our threshold there,
White clad, lights in her hair,
Sankta Lucia! Sankta Lucia!
Darkness shall fly away
Through earthly portals.
She brings such wonderful
words to us mortals!
Daylight, again renewed
will rise, all rosy-hued!
Sankta Lucia! Sankta Lucia!
Daylight, again renewed,
will rise, all rosy-hued.
Sankta Lucia! Sankta Lucia!
(Copyrights of lyrics are unknown)
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Louise Sommer, an Educational Psychology Consultant (MA) and Communication Consultant, specialising in cultural diversity, creativity, and storytelling. She is the author of the bestseller The Hidden Camino, a captivating exploration of historical and cultural narratives. Since the 1990s, Louise has traveled both on and off the beaten track across Europe, exploring history and cultural narratives through the lens of social constructionism. As a professional blogger and writer, she delves into the connections between cultural wisdom, identity, and creativity, offering unique insights that foster curiosity and inclusivity in a multicultural world. Discover more about her work and writings at LouiseSommer.co.
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