Saint Lucy

Lucy was born in Syracuse in 283 and was killed in the same city on December 13, 304, during Diocletian’s great persecution. Her story has come down through two ancient, independent sources — a Greek Passio and the Latin Acts, both from the late fifth century. The story says she was from a noble family, had lost her father, and was promised in marriage against her will. She went with her mother Eutychia, who was ill, to the tomb of Saint Agatha in Catania; her mother was healed, and Lucy asked her to let her give her dowry to the poor instead of marrying. When her betrothed found out, he denounced her as a Christian. Her name comes from *lux*, light, and that’s why she is invoked as protector of eyesight and of the blind. The detail of her eyes being gouged out and carried on a plate is a very late addition, born precisely from her name. She is one of the seven virgins named in the Roman Canon. Before the calendar reform of the sixteenth century, December 13 was the shortest day of the year: hence the saying “Saint Lucy’s, the shortest day there is,” which keeps going around even though it’s no longer true. In much of northern Italy it’s Lucy who brings presents to children, not Santa Claus; and in Sweden December 13 is one of the most beloved holidays of the year. Her remains are in Venice. If your name is Lucy, today is your name day.