St Lucy brings light to Advent
In Sweden this morning a young girl representing St Lucy wearing her crown of candles will make an early morning appearance in many homes and schools.
There will also be Lucia processions in many darkened churches tonight.
Lucy wore candles on her head to light the way and leave her hands free to assist persecuted Christians in Sicily. Now she is the symbol of the light of Christ to be celebrated soon at Christmas.
On St Lucy’s Day, 13 December, there are big celebrations in her home town Siracusa, Naples where the Lucia song sung in Sweden was first heard and Venice where her body lies in a church near Santa Lucia railway station.
Lucy is the patron of opticians, blind people and photographers.
Lucia buns in London: To taste the Lucy Cat saffron buns as enjoyed today in Sweden call in at the Scandinavian Kitchen at 61 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PP.