Lucretia (“gain,” “profit,” “wealth”) who has become Lucia

Lucia is the same as Lucretia for three reasons:

1- She is from Italy.

2- She is a martyr, saint and important social figure.

3- The name Lucretia contains the name Lucia.

According to Roman tradition, Lucretia (/luːˈkriːʃə/ loo-KREE-shə, Classical Latin: [ɫʊˈkreːtia]; died c. 510 BC), anglicized as Lucrece, was a noblewoman in ancient Rome. Sextus Tarquinius (Tarquin) raped her. Her subsequent suicide precipitated a rebellion that overthrew the Roman monarchy and led to the transition of Roman government from a kingdom to a republic. After Tarquin raped Lucretia, flames of dissatisfaction were kindled over the tyrannical methods of Tarquin's father, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. As a result, the prominent families instituted a republic, drove the extensive royal family of Tarquin from Rome, and successfully defended the republic against attempted Etruscan and Latin intervention.

There are no contemporary sources of Lucretia and Tarquin’s rape of her. Information regarding Lucretia, how and when Tarquin raped her, her suicide, and the consequence of this being the start of the Roman Republic come from the accounts of Roman historian Livy and Greco-Roman historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus approximately 500 years later. Secondary sources on the establishment of the republic reiterate the basic events of Lucretia's story, though accounts vary slightly between historians. The evidence points to the historical existence of a woman named Lucretia and an event that played a critical part in the downfall of the monarchy. However, specific details are debatable and vary depending on the writer. According to modern sources, Lucretia's narrative is considered a part of Roman mythohistory. Much like the rape of the Sabine women, Lucretia's story provides an explanation for historical change in Rome through a recounting of violence against women by men.

Lucia (who is inappropriately compared to Lucifer) refers to Lucretia:

Who is Lucia? According to church regulations Lucia was a Christian woman who lived in Sicily between c. 283-304 AD. She was born into a rich family and was promised to be married in a match arranged by her mother. However, Lucia had made a vow of chastity she had not told anyone about. She managed to persuade her mother to break the engagement, but her ex-fiancé was not happy with this. He felt cheated and reported Lucia to the Roman emperor Diocletian, who persecuted Christians as the faith of Christ was yet forbidden. Lucia was sentenced to become a prostitute at a brothel, but when they came to get her, they were not able to move her. Then they tried to burn her at a stake, but no flames could touch her. Eventually, a soldier pierced a lance trough her neck, of which she died on the 13th of December. For her death as a martyr, she was made a saint, and remains to this day the protective saint of Syracuse. She is also said to have pierced out her own eyes to give to an admirer, after which she was given new eyes by God. She is therefore sometimes depicted holding a tray with her eyes on them.

but then see Lucia is now approaching.

She brings, the good one, the light here,

she comes with a greeting about Christmas peace,

she comes with candles in her crown.

This is the first verse in the song Lucia – så mörk är natten (Lucia – How dark is the night), one of the songs that is sung during the Swedish celebration of Lucia. She comes early in the morning, accompanied by her trail of maids and star lads, to enter buildings and churches all over Sweden on the 13th of December every year.

The celebration of Lucia (Saint Lucy) is a most beloved tradition in Sweden and, together with advent, is part of the build-up for the Christmas celebrations. Lucia is the bringer of light in the darkest of hours, and her presence on the 13th of December is a mixture of traditions from before and after the Christianization of Scandinavia.

The Lussekatt (lussi cat) is believed to depict Lucia’s eyes, especially when the buns are placed on a plate. They would also represent the watchful eyes when Lusse is out and about. Photo: Scandinavian Archaeology. Copyright 2021.

Lucia as a modern celebration takes place mainly in the mornings but can occur throughout the day as well. Before Lucia arrives, everything is peaceful and quiet, yet with a sense of anticipation in the air. The light is dimmed, and everyone at the building awaiting Lucia has gathered in their designated collection hall. During the Lucia event, people can have a morning fika (a get-together with hot beverages and sweet breads), including glögg (sweet mulled wine) and lussekatter (a type of sweet bread spiced with saffron and raisins). Then, in the quiet and dark, singing voices arise and then lights will appear: Lucia is approaching. She is dressed in a white dress, as are her maidens and star lads. On her head she wearing a candlelit crown decorated with lingonberry sprigs and sometimes red ribbons. Her maidens have wreaths in the same manner but with no lights, and the star lads have white paper cones decorated with golden stars on their heads. Everyone is holding a lit candle in their hands, and Lucia and her maidens have a red ribbon tied around their waists.

They sing Christmas songs and brighten up the mood for everyone attending. It is truly a magical moment.