written by Alex —Lucia the name, (pronounced Lu-chee-uh) has a special meaning for Mom and me. It all started several years ago when Mom was first imagining her ideal property in Italy for hosting yoga and meditation retreats. She envisioned a villa with sun-filled rooms opening up onto a central courtyard and wanted to find an Italian name that evoked the spirit of the place she had in mind.
Light has a great literal and metaphorical significance, and in Italian it’s luce (luch-ay), so Casa di Luce (House of Light) seemed fitting. We’re not sure who made the mistake– if it was me telling Mom that the word for light was lucia or if it was Mom assuming luce was written lucia– but anyway, the house that would-be came to be written as Casa di Lucia (Lucia’s house.)
As my Italian improved –or when I saw what Mom had written– (however the story goes!) we soon realized our error, but decided to look up the name to see to whom we had been dedicating our dream house.
One day, walking from the cathedral to the seaside in Ortigia (part of Syracuse in Sicily) I happened upon this little street. I was immediately drawn to the coloration of the building, the slope of the street and the sea backdrop and was ready to snap a picture when I noticed a small statue and plaque that read Viva Santa Lucia. At that point, I really had to have a picture and I emailed it to Mom the first chance I got.
For us, Santa Lucia has come to represent the metaphorical stepping out of darkness into light. She’s a reminder of our quest to bring a little “light” into our lives and hopefully into the lives of others. So yes, long live Santa Lucia! – And Casa di Lucia our house shall be.
Images by Alex
you might also like:
.![]() |
Saint Lucia Retablo $115. |
5 comments:
Hi LeAnn...what a lovely story. I'm always dreaming of being in Sorrento, in a small villa overlooking the sea...so maybe the same name would be appropriate for me as well. Your mother must have great vision. xx's
I can't wait to hear more about Casa Santa Lucia.
Hi, Marsha. This post was written by my daughter, Alex so I guess that makes me the one with the great vision so -thank you! (lol) Alex is an active part of l&l now and we'll be sharing more on our travel adventures among other topics. Nice to hear from you. xo~L
LeAnn, if you get Casa di Lucia open then let me know so I can sign up it sounds like a dream! Looks like Alex is becoming a big part of your blog...nice that Mother and daughter can share.
XX
Debra~
Che Bella !
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment.
We are now hosting our 2nd Annual
"TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE" GIVEAWAY
All email subscribers receive one entry.
In addition, you'll receive an additional entry for each comment you leave.
Your comment can be any length to qualify.
Leave your name and location to be eligible.
Always nice to hear from you! ~LeAnn and Alex