National Lucia Day is celebrated on November 20 every year in honor of this feminine-given name. Lucia is derived from the Latin word ‘Lux,’’ which means ‘light.’ It is the feminine version of the Roman praenomen ‘Lucius,’ a variant spelling of Lucy. The term is used in the Romanian, Italian, Spanish (Luca), Portuguese (Lcia), English, and Slavic languages. Lucia is a girl’s name of Spanish and Italian origin that means ‘light.’ It is both the feminine version of Lucius and the Latinized spelling of Lucy. Lucia was usually given to children born as daylight broke because of its link to light.
History of National Lucia Day
Saint Lucia of Syracuse was a martyr in the fourth century. She is the patron saint of the blind, as her eyes were purportedly gouged out. In the Middle Ages, she was immensely adored, and her name has been used across Christian Europe (in various spellings). Since the 12th Century, it has been used in England, mainly with the forms Lucy or Luce.The surname Lucia can be traced back to the old and picturesque region of Sicily, which is located off the coast of Southwestern Italy and includes the island of Sicily, the Naples area, and the southern section of the Italian peninsula. Although people were first recognized solely by one name, as the population increased and travel became more common, it became necessary for people to take a second name by which to identify themselves. Although the practice of permanent hereditary surnames did not occur until the modern period, the use of hereditary family names in Italy began in the 10th and 11th centuries. The development of Italian hereditary surnames followed fairly broad rules, and they were distinguished by a plethora of derivatives formed from given names.The patronymic system of name-making was embraced by Italians throughout the Middle Ages because it perfectly fit the prevalent Feudal System. There’re many patronymic surnames in Italy because, throughout the Christian era, parents frequently called their children after saints and biblical figures. Lucia was derived from the Latin-given name Lucas, which was also a variant of the Greek name Loucas. The name gained popularity throughout the Middle Ages as a result of St. Luke the Evangelist.
National Lucia Day timeline
A derivative of the name Lucia — Lucy Alexis Liu an American actor, producer, and director wins a Seoul International Drama Award for Best Actress.
This Spanish actress wins the Best Spanish Music Act award in the inaugural season of Disney’s singing competition.
This Costa Rican dancer— whose name is a derivative of the name Lucia — is declared the winner at the World Salsa Summit.
This Italian-born American director, writer, and producer, has won several Emmy Awards for her writing skills in regular comic shows.
National Lucia Day FAQs
Is the name Lucia biblical?
It is not a biblical name but it is common in Christian circles.
What does the name Lucia imply in English?
It’s a feminine given name, from a Latin, meaning ‘bright.’
Is Lucia considered a saint?
Lucia of Syracuse, commonly known as Saint Lucy or Lucia of Syracuse, was a Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution.
National Lucia Day Activities
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Climbing a mountain should be fun
It will test your mental and physical capabilities but it will reward you with some of the most breathtaking natural vistas available. So go on and push yourself.
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Volunteer or make a charitable donation
It is better to give than to receive, as the ancient proverb goes. So go ahead and make a difference today.
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Obtain a psychic reading
Seeing a psychic or having your tarot cards read for you has most likely tempted you at some time in your life! If you're apprehensive or suspicious about such an unusual pastime, perhaps attending alongside your best friends will make it more enjoyable.
5 Fun Facts About Lucia
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Lucia was a common first name
The name was first given to at least 5 kids in 1880 as a first name.
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The oldest recorded use of the name
The Social Security Administration has the earliest known use of Lucia as a first name being Saturday, July 9, 1870.
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The name ranks number 89 in popularity
According to 2017 U.S. Social Security Administration data, the first name Lucia is the 89th most common newborn girl's name in the District of Columbia.
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There’re interesting odds of meeting a Lucia
If you meet 100,000 individuals in your life, odds are one of them will have the surname Lucia.
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Lucia’s aren’t shy to voice their opinion
The U.S. Census Bureau polled 4,038 persons with the surname Lucia in 2010.
Why We Love National Lucia Day
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It is derived from a Latin word
Lucia is derived from the Latin word ‘Lux,’ which means ‘light.’ A good name with a good meaning is better than gold.
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Lucias are thought to be compassionate
When people hear your name, they think of you as sensitive, caring, and giving. People trust you and rely on you for assistance.
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Lucias often exercise good judgment
Lucias are capable of applying sound judgment or common sense in real situations. They would rather overthink things than act spontaneously.
National Lucia Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 20 | Sunday |
| 2023 | November 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | November 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | November 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | November 20 | Friday |
