How to Celebrate St. Lucy’s Day Like a Pro

Are you tired of the incessant commercialization that accompanies most American holidays? You’re not the only one. There’s a growing frustration with how our sacred traditions are turning into shopping lists.

But what if I told you there’s a holiday that helps us get back to the roots of what holidays are all about? Welcome to the world of St. Lucy’s Day, a festival steeped in historical, sociological, and even biological significance.

Background and History of St. Lucy’s Day

St. Lucy, also known as Lucia, was a Christian martyr who lived in Syracuse during the Roman Empire. She’s known for her acts of charity and for bringing “light” into the lives of others, often quite literally by wearing a wreath of candles on her head. Over time, the celebration of St. Lucy moved from Italy to Scandinavia, becoming especially popular in Sweden. Mark your calendars; this intriguing holiday takes place every year on December 13th.

Pagan Culture and St. Lucy’s Day

Before St. Lucy was associated with this date, it was significant in pagan traditions as a way to celebrate the winter solstice under the Julian calendar. Pagans would honor the longest night of the year by lighting fires and candles, symbolizing the light that breaks the darkness. With time, St. Lucy’s Day became a wonderful example of religious syncretism, where pagan traditions of honoring light were folded into the Christian story of St. Lucy.

The Importance of St. Lucy’s Day

Historical Perspective

The celebration of St. Lucy’s Day can be traced back to Syracuse, Sicily, in the early 4th century. St. Lucy, born around 283 AD, was said to be a Christian martyr who took food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs during the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s persecutions, which occurred between 303 and 311 AD. Her tale became known far and wide, eventually crossing national and cultural boundaries to gain popularity in Scandinavian countries by the Middle Ages.

St. Lucy’s Day became even more widely recognized after the Gregorian calendar reform in 1582. Before the reform, December 13th was the winter solstice, which was a significant day for pre-Christian pagan communities. Consequently, the celebration of St. Lucy merged with older traditions, becoming a beacon of light in the darkest time of the year.

In Sweden, the holiday began to gain momentum in the 18th century. In the 1920s, the custom of Lucia processions entered the academic setting with the first Lucia concert arranged at the Stockholm Concert Hall by the Student Association of the Royal Institute of Technology. Since then, the holiday has not only endured but thrived, merging ancient lore and modern customs into a complex tapestry that we know today.

This remarkable historical journey of St. Lucy’s Day reveals how traditions can morph and adapt while preserving core elements over centuries. Far from being a static event, the holiday offers us a fascinating window into how people have sought light and community through various eras and cultural shifts.

Sociological Perspective

Community bonds are often forged during shared celebrations. According to research by Robert D. Putnam in “Bowling Alone,” social gatherings and shared traditions create “social capital,” thereby fostering trust and happiness within communities.

Biological Perspective

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well-documented phenomenon affecting millions every winter. Light therapy is a commonly recommended treatment, reinforcing how deeply our biology is affected by light. Studies published in the Journal of Affective Disorders have shown that light exposure can significantly affect our mood and mental health.

How to Celebrate St. Lucy’s Day

Method 1: Simple and Inclusive—Candle Ceremony at Home

• Steps: As the sun sets, gather around and light candles. Each person can share something they’re grateful for or a wish for the world.
• Who Can Do This: Whether you’re in a New York apartment or a farmhouse in Montana, this simple ceremony is feasible for everyone.
• Why It Works: The elemental fire coupled with words of gratitude or hope creates a genuine, warm atmosphere.
• Personal Anecdote: Last year, I celebrated using just a few tea candles, and the room felt as warm and inviting as any grand celebration.

Method 2: Elaborate and Engaging—St. Lucy’s Feast and Parade

Time Required:

• Preparation: 2-3 weeks in advance for planning and invites
• Actual Event: Around 4-6 hours

Supplies Needed:

• White gowns and red sashes for those playing St. Lucy and her attendants
• Battery-operated or real candle crowns
• A selection of foods, including traditional Swedish Lucia buns (Lussekatter)
• Candleholders and candles for decorations
• Storytelling book or anecdotes about St. Lucy
• Musical instruments or a playlist featuring traditional St. Lucy’s Day songs

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Planning and Invitations: Decide on the number of attendees and send out invitations. Make sure to specify that it’s a St. Lucy’s Day celebration and costumes are encouraged!
2. Costume Preparations: Sew or buy white gowns and red sashes. Create or purchase candle crowns for those who will play St. Lucy and her attendants.
3. Food Preparations: A week before, plan your menu. Make sure to include traditional Swedish Lucia buns. The recipe can be found in many Scandinavian cookbooks, or you can find premade versions at a Scandinavian bakery.
4. Venue Setup: On the day of the celebration, set the mood by placing candles around the area. Arrange a table with a festive spread including your Lucia buns and other treats.
5. The Procession: As guests arrive, gather everyone and begin the procession. Have the person dressed as St. Lucy lead, followed by her attendants.
6. The Feast: Once everyone is settled, begin the feast. Serve the food you’ve prepared, and don’t forget to toast to St. Lucy and the joy she brings!
7. Storytelling: After the meal, have a storytelling session about the life and miracles of St. Lucy. This is a great time to share the historical background of the holiday.
8. Music and Songs: Conclude the celebration with traditional St. Lucy’s Day songs. You can either play them on instruments if anyone is musically inclined or use a prepared playlist.
9. Closing: As the event winds down, offer guests a candle to take home as a symbol of the light that St. Lucy brings into our lives.

Investment: This method is undoubtedly resource-intensive in terms of time, energy, and financial investment. But the joy and community bonding that you’ll experience make it well worth the effort.

Wrapping up

St. Lucy’s Day offers a reprieve from the commercial and often mindless celebrations we’re used to. It’s a multi-dimensional festival that enriches our lives through community, history, and biology. So, why not change gears this December? Experience St. Lucy’s Day, and bring the light of joy, community, and intentionality into your life.

Additional Resources

• For more on the sociology of shared traditions, read “Bowling Alone” by Robert D. Putnam.
• Bright Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond. Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME. Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25. PMID: 31528147; PMCID: PMC6746555.
• For traditional St. Lucy’s Day recipes, consider grabbing a Scandinavian cookbook from your local bookstore.

Here’s a chance to embrace a holiday that offers more than just a break from work—it provides a break for your soul, an opportunity to connect with your inner light and with those around you. I invite you to make room for St. Lucy’s Day this year and discover its transformative power.