Day 13: Santa Lucia

Day 13 of Advent

Santa Lucia

Through the years, our family has cherished the tradition of celebrating the holiday festival of light of Santa Lucia or St. Lucy’s Day. Saint Lucy was an early Christian martyr, and in her honor this feast day has long pointed to the coming of Christmas and the light of Christ. It is traditional for a member of the family to wear a wreath of candles on their head and serve the rest of the family treats.

-Caleb

Include us in your day! Tag @piperandleaf and #piperandleafadvent

Scripture Reading for the Day

John 1:10-13

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

Activity for Today

Tea by Candlelight

Whether or not you wear a wreath of candles on your head (candles on the table will be just fine) make sure to share a cup of tea and treats with your family by candlelight! Listen to Santa Lucia and maybe even talk about what day of Advent has been your favorite!

Santa Lucia’s Merry Provision of Black Tea Laced with Rich Chocolate and a Sprinkle of Cracked Coffee Beans.

Let's spill the tea about Chocola-Tea...

The Chocola-Tea Pound Bag by Piper & Leaf Tea Co. offers 190 servings, blending fig, coffee beans, and loose leaf black tea for a rich, aromatic experience.

Eloquent Description

Deeply silky but not unctuous with an indulgent but mercifully attenuated finish that forestalls the usual chocolate-induced self-loathing. Dried local figs get this soiree of noir started in style. Sure, dairy-free dark chocolate chips are the star, but the subtlety of texture and lightness, achieved without sacrificing realness, is brought about by the earthy cacao nibs and locally dark-roasted coffee bean. This deliciously drinkable chocolate remains firmly ensconced within the loamy, luscious terroir of the subcontinent. Unrequited cocoa amore this is not.

Ingredients

Ceylon Black Tea
Cacao Nibs
Figs
Cracked Coffee Beans
Chocolate Chips (dairy free)
Organic Natural Flavor

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 212 water for 3.5 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

“This is one of my two favorite P&L teas and one of my favorite teas period. The chocolate and fig are by no means overwhelming, but they add complexity to the overall flavor. I usually drink it black, but adding a bit of cream enhances the chocolate and evokes a really great cup of cocoa.”
– Matt

All about Santa Lucia

Fun Fact!
My sisters loved trying to walk down the hall with real candles for Santa Lucia and make coffee cake, because that was a little easier for them to make than bread.

At the time, there were three sisters, all close in age and each would wear white gowns made by our grandmother, with red ribbons tied around their waists. Now, the younger sisters didn't want the oldest to have all the fun, so instead of fighting, they all decided to be Santa Lucia together!

Let’s just hope the smell of coffee cake doesn’t mix with burnt hair like it did for us. And for all who want to know, my beloved sister Mimi made the coffee... and may have also contributed the burned hair!
Listen to Santa Lucia on YouTube!
Read More about Santa Lucia Day on our Blog!
Santa Lucia
Night walks with a heavy step
Round yard and hearth,
As the sun departs from earth,
Shadows are brooding.
There in our dark house,
Walking with lit candles,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Night walks grand, yet silent,
Now hear its gentle wings,
In every room so hushed,
Whispering like wings.
Look, at our threshold stands,
White-clad with light in her hair,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Darkness shall take flight soon,
From earth’s valleys.
So she speaks a
Wonderful Word to us:
A new day will rise again
From the rosy sky…
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!
About the Author
Teodoro Cottrau (1827–1879) was an Italian composer, journalist, and publisher known for popularizing Neapolitan songs. He is best remembered for his composition Santa Lucia, which he adapted from a traditional melody and translated into Italian, making it widely beloved beyond Naples. Cottrau contributed significantly to the Italian music scene in the 19th century, bridging traditional folk music with a broader audience through his adaptations and publications.