Today in Holidays

Today is St. Lucy’s day also known as St. Lucia. It is used as the start of the Christmas season for some people and is even the day that some exchange gifts. It is also an unusual of a saint’s day for two reasons. First, excluding the area of Italy that she was from the holiday is mainly celebrated by Protestants. And second it has quite possibly the most dangerous festivities of any modern Christian Holiday. One the first part this is a holiday that in modern times is mostly celebrated in Scandinavia and in the parts of America that Scandinavian people moved. In America the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sets asides today and often the Sunday closest to today in honor of St. Lucy including special vestments and activities. In many Scandinavian countries it is celebrated as a national holiday. Second, it is possibly the most dangerous holiday as in all countries traditions one girl (often the oldest in the family, but still could be as young as 7 or 8) is expected to dress in a white robe (often tied with a red ribbon to symbolize St. Lucy’s martyrdom) with a evergreen wreath on her head with many burning white candles in it. Her and her other siblings might also be expected to make their parents breakfast in bed with no adult help. And the young boys might make a traditional alcoholic drink to go with breakfast.