Guadete Sunday of Advent

Sunday. The word Guadete is derived from Latin words “gaudium,” joy, and “gaudeo,” to rejoice or be glad because the nearness of Christmas is a cause for great joy. On the Advent wreath, the pink candle representing joy is lighted.

December 13th is the feast day of Saint Lucy, martyred during the persecution of Diocletian in the year 304. Lucy came from a wealthy Sicilian family. Spurning marriage and worldly goods, however, she vowed to remain a virgin. An angry suitor reported her to the local Roman authorities, who sentenced her to be removed to a brothel and forced into prostitution. This order was thwarted by divine intervention; Lucy became immovable and could not be carried away. She was next condemned to death by fire, but she was not harmed by the flames. Some traditions say that Lucy had her eyes gouged out as part of her persecution. Finally, her neck was pierced by a sword and she died. In some art, Lucy is shown holding a dish containing her eyes. A tradition in Sweden is that the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears as a crown an evergreen wreath studded with candles. Additionally, a cake called Saint Lucia Crown is enjoyed. It looks like the crown of candles Lucy wore to help light the way when she carried food to Christian martyrs hiding in caves from persecution.

Since then, Saint Lucia Day is celebrated by having the oldest daughter be the first to rise and bring buns to all who are sleeping in the household.