Today Is December 13

Saint Lucy's Day is a Christian feast day observed on December 13. The observance commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, an early-4th-century virgin martyr under the Diocletianic Persecution.

Saint Lucy, by Francesco del Cossa (c. 1430 – c. 1477)

Lucia brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs, wearing a candle lit wreath on her head to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible. She had vowed her virginity to God and when a disappointed suitor accused her of being a Christian, Lucia was executed.

Her feast day, known as Saint Lucy's Day, is celebrated in the West on December 13. She is a patron saint of the blind, martyrs, epidemics, throat infections, salesmen and writers.

Her feast day, which coincided with the shortest day of the year prior to calendar reforms, is widely celebrated as a festival of light. Falling within the Advent season, Saint Lucy's Day is viewed as a precursor of Christmastide, pointing to the arrival of the Light of Christ in the calendar on Christmas Day.

The Caribbean island of St Lucia was named after her. St Lucia is the only country in the world named after a woman.