Why We Celebrate Saint Lucy’s Day – The Bringer Of Light And Patron Of The Blind

Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – On December 13, the Feast of Saint Lucy is celebrated in some countries. This special Christmas holiday is very important, mainly in Scandinavia and Italy.

It’s called St. Lucy day (also known as St. Lucia Day). The celebration is in honor of Saint Lucy. She was a martyr who became a patron of the blind and those with eye disorders who died during the Diocletianic Persecution.

Christmas season card with Lucia in the snow. Adèle Söderberg (1880-1915) Credit: Public Domain

The woman was killed because she wanted to help poor people

Known as St. Lucia of Syracuse, the woman was honored in the Middle Ages and remained a well-known saint in early modern England. According to legend, she brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs using a candle-lit wreath to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible.