Regarding the Christian origin, there are several legends. The most well-known tells of a maiden in the town of Syracuse in Sicily around 300 A.D. She joined the Christians in their charitable work and, when betrothed to a wealthy young man, even gave away her wedding gifts to the poor. Because of her "strange" behavior, she was thrown in jail, tortured, and eventually condemned to death by burning. She emerged from the fire unharmed, only to be slain by her foes with a sword. Years later, Lucia was sainted by the church and her story became known to all Christians. It is believed that sailors brought the story to Scandinavia, where it evolved to the tradition we know today.

The Swedish festival honoring Sankta Lucia started as a family tradition in which the eldest daughter, dressed in a white gown and red sash and assisted by her brothers and sisters, brought lusse-bread, coffee and ginger cookies to her parents by candlelight at dawn. The red sash represents the blood spilled when Lucia was killed by the sword. The name Lucia is derived from lux, which is Latin for light. The Lucia custom spread and today there are Lucia processions along the streets, as well as in hospitals, schools and offices, all part of the tradition announcing that Christmas will soon be here. The Nobel Prize winners, who receive their awards at this time of year, are also visited by a Lucia procession in their hotel in Stockholm.   This beautiful tradition has been carried on in Delaware for more than 20 years.