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Luciafest 2007
We had our annual Luciafest on December
9 with the Lucia Attendants serving a full fellowship hall.
History of Lucia According to legend, Lucia was a medieval saint who carried food and drink to hungry folk in the province of Värmland,
Sweden during a period of famine. She was seen
across Lake Vänern with her white gown and crown of lights. Today's costume has
the same gown and crown. The Lucia legend is said to have originated in Syracuse
on the island of Sicily. A young girl, about to be a bride, gave her entire
dowry to the poor of her village and admitted that she had become a Christian.
She was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake on December 13, 304 A.D.
Much later in history, the early Church made a saint out of her - Santa
(Saint) Lucia. Italian artists sometimes picture her as a blind girl holding a
lamp. She is a patron saint for Italian fishermen and she is said to help guide
them home through the rough seas during a storm. There are many legends about her and in each one Lucia stands as a symbol of
light and hope to all mankind. Santa Lucia's coming begins the feasting,
merriment, singing and the spirit of friendliness and goodwill that lasts all
through the holidays. St. Lucia's day is a celebration of legends, but it is also a remembering of
a young woman who truly loved Jesus. The white robe speaks of her commitment to
purity, and the red sash of her testimony of faith in her Savior even to dying.
The tray of sweet breads reminds us that she loved and served the poor and the
persecuted with her life. Finally, the crown of evergreens and the halo of
candles speak of the eternal life Lucia has now in Jesus. It is due to our Swedish heritage that Zion celebrates St. Lucia. Click on the pictures below to view Luciafest 2007.
