Eyes on a plate: This is how one identifies Santa Lucia, the patroness of light, grain, wheat, and eyes. Legend is that her eyes were gouged out either to make herself unattractive to her pagan betrothed or upon her arrest when Roman soldiers could not move her from where she stood. She was a determined…
Tag: santa lucia
Santa Lucia in New York City 2022
The shadows come early these days in the northern hemisphere. Santa Lucia, illustrated in this 1526 Gagini statue from the Duomo of Siracusa, reminds us to follow the light. Join Experience Sicily in New York City on Sunday, December 11 to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia at Pasta Eater. Featuring guest Sicilian chef Giuseppe…
Serendipitously Seen In Sicily: Lucia’s Relics Come Home
My friend Ed, who lives in Siracusa, sent me this photo (along with some video). On the Tuesday evening, the night of the solstice, he and his wife serendipitously came upon a marching band in the Piazza Duomo proudly performing as the fire department escorted the sacred relics of Santa Lucia back to their usual…
Viva Santa Lucia! Join Tonight’s Online Celebration
Viva Santa Lucia! Join me online this evening at 7:30PM (Eastern) to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia. I’ll discuss the legends, traditions, and history of Saint Lucy, the patroness of light, eyes, and wheat. I will also sing the beloved song Santa Lucia live. Register at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2021
Lucia Lights The Way
Join me online on Monday evening (Eastern) to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia. I’ll discuss the legends, traditions, and history of Saint Lucy, the patroness of light, eyes, and wheat. I will also sing the beloved song Santa Lucia live. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-santa-lucia-online-with-experience-sicily-tickets-219247393857.
Celebrate Santa Lucia 2021 With Experience Sicily
In Siracusa, veneration of Santa Lucia may be found in many locales, for example at this grocery store that I frequented last February during an extended stay. I saw this tamburello (frame drum) with the patroness of light, eyes, and grain on it, and I lept for joy! I want one! Join me next Monday,…
Celebrate Santa Lucia Online 2021
The Feast of Santa Lucia is on December 13, and that evening, I will host an online discussion and presentation about this highly venerated saint from Sicily. Join me to learn her story, traditions practiced for the feast, and why she carries eyes on a plate (?)! I will also be performing the beloved song…
Bathed In Morning Light In Ragusa
A view of Ragusa from Ragusa Ibla. During my times here, I’ve studied where the light falls with the sunrise and how the moon rises with the sunset. The Church of Santa Lucia soakes up the morning rays on the hillside. Its eastern exposure helps me imagine an ancient temple under its foundation. Regretfully, with…
Start Making Your Cuccìa For Santa Lucia Now
Sunday, Dec. 13 is the Feast of Santa Lucia. For those who wish to make cuccìa (pictured) with Alessia of Smile and Food during our online feast event (Details and registration at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2020/ ), you should start planning now. Your farro (wheat berries) need to soak in water for 72 hours (and change the water…
The Saints As Guides For Life’s Cycles
The veil between the living and the dead is thin during these days of mid-autumn. In past centuries, November 1 was better known as All Hallows or Hallowmas (Hence yesterday being All Hallows Eve or Halloween, in northern Christian countries.). Now called All Saints Day, today is a solemn feast to acknowledge all saints, known…