Saturday, August 10, 2019

St. Lucy Rosary Chaplet Bracelet
- Patron Saint of the Blind, Niner Prayer Beads -

https://www.etsy.com/prettygonzo/listing/727603495/st-lucy-rosary-chaplet-bracelet-patron?ref=shop_home_feat_2&frs=1

This rosary chaplet bracelet is dedicated to St. Lucy and features an Italian-made holy medal, shiny purple Czech glass pearls, glossy white Swarovski crystal pearls, and sparkly violet Swarovski crystal bicones. The holy medal, which is made of base metal, shows St. Lucy on the front and includes the supplication "Pray for us" on the back. It is highly detailed, showing the saint holding two of her standard attributes: a dish with two eyes and a palm sheaf—symbol of martyrdom and victory over sin. These images also appear on the complimentary holy card that comes with the bracelet.

Also included in this St. Lucy niner rosary bracelet is the following:
• TierraCast silver-plate daisy spacers
• Sterling silver twist crimps and guards
• One-inch silver-tone extender chain
• Silver-plate lobster clasp
• TierraCast oval jump rings
• High-quality 49-strand beading wire

All these components were made in the USA except the extender chain. The basic length of the bracelet is 7 inches, with the chain adding another inch. At the very end of the chain, I attached a three-pearl dangle to symbolize the Holy Trinity.

This St. Lucy adjustable chaplet bracelet would make an inspirational gift for anyone, young or old. Because Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and all those who suffer from eye and throat ailments, it would make an especially meaningful gift for anyone who is dealing with such afflictions. Designed and handmade beaded by me with great care, thought, and best wishes for its destined wearer, the chaplet comes in a nice organza bag, all wrapped and ready for gifting to someone special—maybe you!

ABOUT ST. LUCY
A daughter of Sicily, St. Lucy lived in the 3rd century AD, during the time of the Roman Empire, and was martyred at the beginning of the 4th century. Little historical information about her survives beyond an account that her refusal of a rich pagan suitor led to her exposure as a Christian during a time of state persecutions. However, many divinity stories and legends are associated with St. Lucy, and as her name was included in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the ancient Roman Canon, she was obviously a notable figure of respect. Hundreds of years after her death, a tomb marked with her name was excavated in Sicily and the bones transported to Venice and venerated as relics. Among St. Lucy's divinity stories, perhaps the best known focus on her resistance to torture by the Romans. In one popular story, her eyes were plucked out but then her vision restored by new, God-given eyes—a miracle that led to her role as the patron saint of the blind and that explains her standard attribute: a dish with two eyes on it. Other attributes includes a palm sheaf, signifying the martyr's victory over evil, and bare feet, which symbolize poverty and charity.

In the Middle Ages, her feast day, December 13th, became a special occasion. Legends linking her to miraculous shipments of wheat during times of famine led to various Christmastime traditions across Europe that survive to this day. In Scandinavia, miracle stories speak of St. Lucy supplying bread and wheat during a particularly bad famine and even appearing on a supply boat, her body dressed in white and glowing with the light of heaven. The Feast of St. Lucy in these northern countries includes the baking of special bread, Lussekatter, which is brought to poor households along with coffee and good cheer in the form of Santa Lucia songs. Bearing the light of Christ in service to others is an essential element in all observances of St. Lucy, including those in the USA. In fact, her name in Italian (Lucia) has etymological connections to the Latin word "lux," which means light. Considering that her feast day is so near the winter solstice, St. Lucy may be considered the bearer of light in the winter darkness.

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10 comments:

  1. very pretty lavender and white chaplet bracelet and very interesting story about St. Lucy - we have a nearby town named Port St. Lucie - maybe? Treats to Sir Gonze as he goes about his Caterday in all his royal self.

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    1. Thanks so much, Julie! Sir Gonze wishes cutesome Harry were a cat so he could say Happy Caturday to him - but he just decided he'll say it anyways. Happy Caturday, Harry Hurricane! :)

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  2. Such a pretty rosary chaplet, Mary. Also love the story behind St. Lucy (almost chose her for my confirmation name). Treats to Sir Gonze from Sir Moose.

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    1. Thanks a lot, Catherine! I found St. Lucy interesting too. Actually, so many of the saints are interesting. I love how St. Lucy became, over centuries, a light-bearer at the time of the winter solstice. Methinks perhaps a little pagan/Christian syncretism? It's all good! So are treats! Which Sir Gonze wishes for the Grand Pup of El Paso!

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  3. Gorgeous purple rosary chaplet! The history you include in your descriptions is wonderful Mary.

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    1. Thanks so much for the morale-boosting comment and for sharing! Often, the histories of these saints are far richer and more detailed than I can cover in my "About" section. It's nice to see that you and other CPromo pals here find the descriptions interesting. :)

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  4. Love the colors of the light purple and white pearls with the violet crystals in this rosary bracelet. The St. Lucy holy metal charm makes it special!

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    1. Major thanks for your comment and sharing! Sir Gonze and I really appreciate it! :) Happy you like the medal. It is very cool! Two eyes on a plate is not your everyday holy medal. :)

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  5. Such a beautiful and feminine rosary chaplet bracelet

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  6. Merci beaucoup, Charlotte! Thanks for the nice comment and fantastic sharing! :)

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