Jessie Taylor
Saint Lucia Day, celebrated annually on December 13, involves a girl wearing a crown of candles on her head. The number of candles on the crown varies, with sources suggesting anywhere between four and eight. The crown is often accompanied by a white dress and a red sash, and the girl playing Saint Lucia walks at the head of a procession of girls, each holding a candle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | Traditionally, there are 6-8 candles. However, some sources suggest 4 or 5. |
| Other materials | Evergreen cuttings, wire, ribbons, lingonberry, boxwood, eucalyptus, brass, plastic |
| Height | 7 inches |
| Circumference | 21.5" to 23.5" |
| Diameter | 7.5" |
| Total height without candles | 5.5" |
| Protection | A white piece of cloth that has been soaked to prevent candle wax or paraffin from burning the hair and scalp |
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What You'll Learn
- The number of candles in a Santa Lucia crown ranges from 4 to 8
- The Santa Lucia crown is worn on Saint Lucy's Day, celebrated on December 13
- Saint Lucy brought food to persecuted Christians, wearing a candle-lit wreath to light her way
- Saint Lucia is the patron saint of Mtarfa and Santa Luċija, Gozo, in Malta
- The candle-lit crown is thought to symbolise the fire that refused to take St. Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned
The number of candles in a Santa Lucia crown ranges from 4 to 8
The Santa Lucia crown, worn on Saint Lucy's Day, is a traditional wreath with candles attached. Saint Lucy, or Santa Lucia, is said to have brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a candle-lit wreath on her head to light the way and leave her hands free to carry provisions. Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated on December 13, mainly in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and the island nation of Saint Lucia. It is viewed as a precursor to Christmas, with Saint Lucy as the bearer of light.
While the traditional Santa Lucia crown uses real candles, some modern versions use battery-powered alternatives for safety reasons, especially when worn by children. The battery-operated candles are often shorter than regular candles and may be sold separately from the wreath base.
In the Saint Lucy's Day celebrations, a girl or woman representing Saint Lucy wears a white gown with a red sash and the crown of candles on her head. She leads a procession of girls or women, who also carry candles and sing songs. The candles and the white and red attire symbolise the fire that refused to take Saint Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned at the stake, with red representing her martyrdom.
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The Santa Lucia crown is worn on Saint Lucy's Day, celebrated on December 13
Saint Lucia Day, celebrated on December 13, venerates Saint Lucy, who, according to legend, brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. To light her way and keep her hands free to carry food, she wore a candle-lit wreath on her head. The Santa Lucia crown, also known as a Lucia crown, traditionally features 6–8 candles, though some only fit four. The number of candles may depend on the size of the wreath and the flat space available to attach them. The candles are typically arranged within the greenery of the wreath, with wire used to attach and secure them. The wreath is usually made from evergreens such as boxwood or fragrant eucalyptus, though lingonberry is traditional.
The Santa Lucia crown is worn by a girl or woman dressed in a white gown with a red sash, symbolizing the saint's martyrdom. In some traditions, the eldest daughter of the family wears the crown. She walks at the head of a procession of girls or women, each holding a candle, and they sing songs of light and Christmas. The candles and songs symbolize the light that refused to take Saint Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned. Saint Lucy is also the patron saint of the blind, as one legend tells of her having her eyes torn out.
The celebration of Saint Lucy is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and the island nation of Saint Lucia, with each region emphasizing a different aspect of her story. In Sweden, the tradition of the Santa Lucia crown and procession gained popularity in the 20th century, and it is now observed in kindergartens and schools, with boys sometimes included as star-staff-carrying magi. In Norway, Saint Lucy Day is largely a secular event, though it has been incorporated into the Advent liturgy in some churches. In Denmark, the traditional song sung on Saint Lucy's Day is not especially Christian, with the only Christian concept being "Sankta Lucia".
The Santa Lucia crown is a beautiful tradition that brings warmth and sweetness to the season, celebrating the story of Saint Lucy and her role as a bearer of light.
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Saint Lucy brought food to persecuted Christians, wearing a candle-lit wreath to light her way
Saint Lucy, also known as Santa Lucia, is a popular saint in Scandinavian countries. Her story is remembered annually on December 13th, the day named after her. Saint Lucy brought food to persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs to escape the Romans and their Emperor Diocletian. She wore a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her way, leaving both hands free to carry as much food as possible.
Saint Lucy was a fourth-century martyr from Syracuse, Italy. She was persecuted for her Christian beliefs and eventually forced into martyrdom. Her suitor reported her to the Roman authorities when she refused to renounce her faith or compromise her virginity. She is often depicted in art with a palm, the symbol of martyrdom. Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated as a festival of light, with candles and singing. The eldest daughter in families that celebrate the day often wears the candle crown and delivers saffron buns to family and friends.
The number of candles in a Santa Lucia crown varies, but there are usually between six and eight. The candles are attached to a wreath, which is then placed on the wearer's head. The wreath is often made from greenery, such as evergreen cuttings, and can be decorated with golden stars. The candles are typically lit before being placed on the head, and the wearer may sing carols or participate in processions while wearing the crown.
The Santa Lucia crown is a symbol of light, which is particularly significant in Scandinavian countries during the winter months when there are very few hours of daylight. The celebration of Saint Lucy's Day is thought to have originated in Sweden and gained popularity in the 20th century. It is often celebrated in conjunction with Christmas, and schools and kindergartens may mark the occasion as a special day for children before the holiday season.
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Saint Lucia is the patron saint of Mtarfa and Santa Luċija, Gozo, in Malta
Saint Lucia, the bearer of light, is honoured each year on December 13th. Traditionally, the eldest daughter wears a crown of candles, delivers saffron buns to family and friends, and sings songs of light and Christmas. The number of candles on the crown typically ranges from six to eight, carefully secured amidst evergreen cuttings.
In Malta, Saint Lucia holds a special significance as the patron saint of Mtarfa and Santa Luċija, a hamlet in Kerċem on Gozo Island. The hamlet's name originates from the church at its heart, with records of a chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy dating back to 1575. The annual feast in her honour is a highlight of the local calendar, falling on the Sunday closest to December 13th.
The feast day is marked by a Lucia procession or Festival of Light, a tradition with roots in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden. Lucia buns are prepared, and the village square, adorned with a traditional stone cross, transforms into a hub of celebration. The local community, inhabiting the old houses surrounding the church, comes together to honour their patron saint.
The Santa Lucia crown, with its candles and greenery, symbolises light and warmth during the Christmas season. While some opt for brass or plastic crowns, others craft their own using wreath bases or wire. Safety is a key consideration, with protective measures like soaked cloth preventing candle wax or paraffin from harming the wearer's hair and scalp.
The celebration of Saint Lucia in Mtarfa and Santa Luċija, Gozo, in Malta, blends religious devotion, community spirit, and cultural traditions. The Festival of Light, centred around their patron saint, adds a unique dimension to the Christmas festivities, illuminating the hamlet with a special glow.
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The candle-lit crown is thought to symbolise the fire that refused to take St. Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned
Saint Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13, and it is a festival of light. Saint Lucia, the bearer of light, is said to have brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. She wore a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her path and keep her hands free to carry food. The candle-lit crown is thought to symbolise the fire that refused to take St. Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned.
The story of Saint Lucia is relived each year on her feast day, with a girl dressed in a white gown and a red sash, representing St. Lucy, walking at the head of a procession of girls or women, each holding a candle. The girls sing songs of light and Christmas, carrying on the tradition of Saint Lucia, the bringer of light.
The number of candles on the crown varies, with some sources stating that traditionally there are 6-8 candles, while others mention crowns with four or five candles. The candles are placed on a wreath, which is then placed on the wearer's head. The wreath can be made from grapevines, wire, a styrofoam base, or an old Christmas wreath. The candles are secured to the wreath with wire, and greenery or ribbons can be added for a festive touch.
The celebration of Saint Lucia is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and the island nation of Saint Lucia, with each region emphasising different aspects of her story. The tradition of wearing a candle-lit crown to honour Saint Lucia and her bravery in the face of persecution is a beautiful way to commemorate her life and bring light to the darkest time of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditionally, there are 6-8 candles in a Santa Lucia crown. However, one person may only be able to fit 4 candles onto their wreath.
The candles symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucy's life when she was sentenced to be burned.
The Santa Lucia crown is worn on St. Lucy's Day, December 13th, to celebrate the patron saint of light bringing food to persecuted Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs.
During the celebration, a girl or woman representing St. Lucy wears a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head. She walks at the head of a procession of girls or women, each holding a candle and singing songs.
