The beautiful island of Saint Lucia, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, bears a name steeped in legend, history, and cultural diversity. Named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a Christian martyr from the early fourth century, Saint Lucia holds the rare distinction of being one of only two sovereign states worldwide named after a woman. While Ireland takes its name from the goddess Ériu, Saint Lucia is the only nation named after an actual historical woman. How did this island, known for its lush rainforests, striking Pitons, and warm hospitality, come to be associated with a Sicilian saint from ancient Rome?
The Saintly Inspiration: Saint Lucy of Syracuse
Saint Lucy, or Santa Lucia in Italian, was born around 283 AD in Syracuse, Sicily. Known for her piety and devotion, she was martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution around 304 AD. In Christian tradition, Saint Lucy is venerated as the patron saint of the blind and those with eye troubles, and her name is associated with light, as “Lucy” derives from the Latin word lux, meaning light. She is often depicted carrying her own eyes. Her feast day, December 13, has become an enduring part of Christian and Scandinavian tradition, often celebrated with candlelit processions symbolizing her legacy.
According to legend, a group of French sailors shipwrecked on a Caribbean island on December 13, the feast day of Saint Lucy. Grateful for their survival, they named the island in her honor, calling it Sainte-Lucie. This popular story attributes the island’s name to French origins.
The Spanish Influence: Sancta Lucia on Early Maps
Yet another intriguing piece of history suggests that the name Saint Lucia may have first appeared on maps created by early Spanish explorers. A 1520 globe housed in the Vatican features the island as Sancta Lucia, which hints that Spanish navigators likely mapped and named the island even earlier than the French. Spanish explorers were among the first Europeans to sail through the Caribbean, but while they visited and named various islands, they rarely established lasting settlements. As a result, Saint Lucia’s documented name may have Spanish roots, reflecting the diverse mix of European explorers who encountered this island.
Indigenous Names: Louanalao and Hewanorra
Long before Europeans named the island after a saint, Saint Lucia was known by other names among its indigenous inhabitants. Around 200 AD, the Arawak people arrived and called the island Louanalao, meaning “Island of the Iguanas.” This name reflects the island’s ecology, with its rich population of iguanas and other distinctive wildlife. Later, in 800 AD, the Carib people displaced or assimilated the Arawak, bringing their own language and customs. The Caribs called the island Hewanorra, which translates roughly to “there where iguanas are found.” In fact, Hewanorra is still commemorated in the modern name of Saint Lucia’s largest airport, Hewanorra International, a nod to the island’s pre-colonial roots.
A Legacy of Cultural Confluence
The naming of Saint Lucia mirrors its complex heritage and multicultural legacy. From the indigenous peoples who originally named it after the iguanas that roamed its forests to the European sailors who later encountered its shores, each chapter in Saint Lucia’s history has contributed to its identity today. The island’s name itself reflects a blend of indigenous culture, European influence, and early Christian tradition, symbolizing the unique convergence of forces that have shaped its story over millennia.
Today, visitors to Saint Lucia can feel this rich history, not just in the island’s name but also in its vibrant culture, heritage sites, and natural beauty. Whether exploring the historic Soufrière, staying at Fond Doux Eco Resort – renowned for its preservation of St. Lucia’s culture and history, hiking through the lush rainforests, or learning about Saint Lucia’s indigenous heritage, travelers will find that this small island embodies a remarkable cultural fusion, rooted in a history as unique and luminous as its name.
