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Lucia Fest
The feast day of Saint Lucia (Lucy) is celebrated on December 13th. Saint Lucia was a virgin martyr of the 4th century. A full account of the stories surrounding her life and death may be found at www.newadvent.org/cathen/09414a.htm. Part of the legend that was to become important in later years was her care for the persecuted Christians who hid in the caves outside her city. They experienced hunger and suffering during a particularly harsh Roman persecution. Out of compassion, Lucia would take her own food out to the suffering Christians late at night. In order to free her hands to carry more food, she would tie candles to her head to light the way.
Saint Lucia has been remembered as someone who brought the Light of Christ into dark situations. December 13, the day that commemorates her life and martyrdom, is the darkest day of the year in the old Julian calendar. Legends of Saint Lucia grew during times of famine and hardship in Scandinavia hundreds of years after her martyrdom. One such legend told of Lucia's care for the people of Sweden during a particularly harsh famine. A large ship had sailed into a Swedish port carrying food for the poor and suffering. At the bow of the ship, so it was said, rode a beautiful young girl with a crown of lit candles. Saint Lucia had brought food to the poor and suffering again, just as she had done during her lifetime. These associations and legends made her a natural favorite for the peoples of the Scandinavian countries. They experience extended periods of darkness during December, so a celebration of light and joy would certainly help lift people's spirits! Over the years, these Scandinavian traditions have developed into a wonderful seasonal celebration of joy and charity.
United Covenant Church, because of our Scandinavian heritage, celebrates Lucia Fest in the evening on a Friday and Saturday in early December. The event is open to everyone. The church is decorated for Christmas. The children and adults prepare a wonderful program for our guests. The entrance of Lucia (see the picture on this page) is the highlight of the evening. We often invite a guest musician to provide special music. Christmas carols are sung by all, hot (decaffeinated) coffee is abundant and Swedish holiday baked goods are served and sold. Because of limited seating, reservations are required. For many Fairfield County residents, United Covenant's Lucia Fest has become a heart-warming and inspiring way to begin the holiday season.
If you would like more information about participating in or making reservations to attend UCCW's Lucia Fest, please call the church office at (203) 834-0644 or contact us through this web site.