Muuruvesi School, Finland
St. Lucia’s Day
There are different versions about St. Lucia, but here is the one that is told at our school.
Lucia was a rich Christian girl living in Cicily, Italy. She was engaged to a Roman soldier. Lucia’s mother was very ill and Lucia prayed for her. The mother got well and Lucia was so happy that she gave all her property to poor Christian people.
Lucia’s fiancé was angry and told about Lucia to the Roman rulers. They ordered Lucia to be burned at the stake. The flames didn’t kill her so they killed her by a sword. After that she is held as a saint.
The name Lucia means light. The long white long dress means belief and purity of a saint. The candles that Lucia is wearing in her crown symbolize the flames that didn’t want to harm her at the stake. The long red belt symbolizes the colour of blood and the crown made of lingonberry twigs symbolizes eternal life. The bale of grains that she is holding tells about how she helped and fed the poor and the seeds tell about continueing life.
On St. Lucia’s Day, the 13th of December, Lucia brings good will and light to the darkness of the winter. Everywhere she goes she brings happiness. The light warms all hearts.