At the sanctuary devoted to Santa Lucia in Siracusa, pilgrims offer ex-votos shaped like eyes. Ex-votos are iconographic body parts or other symbols that are offered to a divinity or spirit guide as gratitude for healing or grace received. The eyes and heart pictured here represent ailments of the eyes (Need some insight or help with your cataracts?) and heart (Feeling broken hearted?). Ex-votos are very common in Sicily. The term ex-voto is an abbreviation for the Latin term “ex voto suscepto,” or “vow undertaken.” Santa Lucia, whose feast day is on December 13, is the the patroness of eyes, sight, light, insight, and wheat/grain. I have become very devoted to Santa Lucia in my adult life. Her example of faith, philanthropy, and being a source of light through the darkness (literal and figurative) offers me strength and fortitude.
This week, I’m hosting two events in her honor, our annual luncheon (sold out!) Sunday at Cacio e Pepe New York and a presentation with traditional foods on Thursday, December 12 at Westchester Italian Cultural Center in Tuckahoe, NY.
Join us! See https://www.wiccny.org/event-details/celebrating-the-feast-of-santa-lucia for registration details.
Viva Santa Lucia!