I share my birthday with Saint Lucia's Day. Perhaps, this is why Mrs. Grosclose chose my second grade self to wear a foiled crown of candles upon my head and recite a poem of which all I ever recall is, "...and wears a crown of candles upon her head." Lucia means light.
Today, young girls portray the infamous character in Swedish festivals who leads a parade through town, while a crown of burning candles sits atop her regal pose. She is remembered for her kindness and martydom. Killed in year 304, for secretly bringing food to the persecuted Christians hiding in catacombs of Rome. She wore a crown of candles in order to keep her hands free.
Croatia, Bosnia, Denmark also celebrate Saint Lucia Day, as does some parts of Italy. All sorts of yummy fare accompany this celebration on December 13th, such as, Lussekatts. These are sweet buns, seasoned with saffron and dotted with raisins.
The story is told of when I was born, my grandfather proudly ran up and down the halls of Northridge Hospital, yelling, "It's a girl, I have a granddaughter!" Proudly and gladly, the heavenly hosts proclaimed another birth centuries ago, near a lowly stable in Bethlehem. There, Jospeh and Mary welcomed nearby shepherds, and later Wisemen, to see their newborn son, Jesus. Happy Birthday was sung as, "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace and goodwill towards all men!" We continue this birthday salute today with Merry Christmas. We cannot all walk around with a crown of burning candles upon our heads, but we most certainly can keep a light burning in our hearts and offer that as grace, love, hope and joy to our fellow man. Perhaps, then we truly would accomplish peace and good will towards all men, here on Earth.