Original scientific paper
THE CULT OF ST. LUCY IN STRONG COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF THE EASTERN ADRIATIC
IGOR ŠIPIĆ
Abstract
This paper presents the basis of the cult of St. Lucy (Sveta Lucija) and its spatial and chronological spread on the eastern coast of the Adritaic Sea with an indication to some topological confirmation of the cult (Kvarner, Split and Venice). In this sense the late medieval Venetian influence, building structure of Diocletian’s mausoleum, Krk’s originality and symbolism in the mediating of the development of the cult were elaborated upon. At the end, in the conclusion, the author gives some general results of research with an accent on the belonging of votive group of saints which are regulary worshiped in coastal communities of the middle and northern coast of the eastern Adriatic Sea.
The symbolical meaning of the cult of St. Lucy amongst people with maritime tradition has not been not researched enough. Alongside the common Christian-iconographic values, which the church gives to St. Lucy according to legend, her meaning and more often presence on the localities of the eastern Adriatic coast, especially in Kvarner, Split and Venice, indicates a tradition of worship which developed on the maritime basis especially in maritime vocations. Therefore, this research will help to better understand the background of the symbolic space of Lucy’s cult and indicates to the typology of her appearance in strong maritime communities of matriarchal roots and areas of the middle and north-eastern Adriatic, including Venice.
Keywords
St. Lucy; Cult; Eastern Adriatic
Hrčak ID:
17730
URI
Publication date:
29.12.2006.
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