St. Lucia Chicago 2015

St. Lucia holds a very special place in my family's heart; with an Italian father and Swedish mother--this day is very special to me. St. Lucia was born in Syracuse Sicily (Italy) and was a devote Christian who devoted her life to the poor. At that time, the rulers of Italy did not look favorably on Christians. When it came time for Lucia to marry, she instead gave her entire dowry to the poor. The rulers declared her a witch and attempted to burn her at the stake but the fire did not light. Ultimately, she had her eyes plucked out and was stabbed.
Many, many years ago, a terrible famine struck in Sweden. On December 13, a well lit ship sailed into Lake Vannern with a young woman dressed in white, with a red sash at her waist and a crown of candles on her head. The people believed her to be St. Lucia, coming to save them from starvation.

St. Lucia's Day celebrated every year in Sweden, in homes, communities, churches and businesses. Most communities have a contest for the young women to compete to become St. Lucia.

I (Christina) had the honor to be chosen in 1997 as Chicago's Queen of Light, St. Lucia!

read more of the story of St. Lucia: https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/lucia/

Here is a listing of St. Lucia events in and around the Chicagoland area for the 2015 season.

St. Lucia Celebration and Contest at the Daley Center
12/11/15 at 11:30
http://www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/museuminfo/news/event/st-lucia-day-celebration-at-daley-plaza-3/

Andersonville St. Lucia Festival of Lights
12/13/15 at 4:45pm
http://www.andersonville.org/events-2/st-lucia-festival-of-lights/

St. Lucia Service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church
12/13/15 at 7pm
http://ebenezerchurch.org/liturgy-and-music/santa-lucia/