Lucaszék

Saint Lucy (Lucia of Syracuse) is honored on 13 December. In Hungarian folklore, many traditions and rituals are associated with this day.  This analog single-player game is inspired by these. You play as a craftsman who must make Lucy's chair (Lucaszék or Luca széke) to be able to banish the witch of the village. You must work with nine different types of wood. Additionally, you should collect as many poppy seeds as you can, so when it comes to the chase, you have a chance to escape from the claws of the witch. Before you have to face your fate, your lover's identity is also revealed, who might be of help before the final moment. This game tries to blend the real and the game world.

Warning: This game draws on superstitions and rituals. If you find such themes challenging or struggle with compulsive thoughts, consider whether this experience is right for you. Additionally, possible endings depict permanent injury and player death.

More about the included traditions:

Lucy's chair
When making Lucy's chair craftsmen must follow certain rules. They must start on 13 December and work on the chair (which is more of a stool) for thirteen days. They must work each day, they shouldn't finish earlier. According to some beliefs, the stool must be made exclusively of wood, nine different types to be precise: acacia, blackthorn, dogwood, fir, juniper, maple, pear, rosewood, and oak. Then on the thirteenth day, 24 December, the craftsmen stand on the stool at the midnight mass. If the stool is steady enough, they get to see the antlers of the witches and evil sorcerers (both could be of any gender) thus getting to know their identity. However, as soon as the craftsmen catch a glimpse of the witches and sorcerers, those start chasing them. The craftsmen carry poppy seeds in their pockets and scatter them around while running, because the witches have to stop and pick them up. At home, the men set Lucy's chair on fire and the logs scream while burning. This means the end of the witches.

Love fortune telling
On 13 December, girls write twelve names on separate pieces of paper and put them under their pillow. Then each of the following days they throw one away without revealing it. The name on the last piece of paper will be the name of their future lover.

Made for the Folklore Jam 2025.

Fonts: Playwrite HU, Cantarell, and Aptos.