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A festival of Lights that starts the Christmas Season
This was originally a Christian festival observed in Sweden in
commemoration of the Sicilian martyr, Lucia, of the third or fourth
century. No-one is quite sure why she became a favorite of the Swedes or
when they moved the date forward by about a week. Tradition says that a
noble heathen was attracted to Lucia by the beauty of her eyes. To
preserve her chastity she had herself blinded, on the shortest and
darkest day of the year (the winter solstice). She has come to symbolize
light, because she chose to sacrifice her vision and live in darkness,
and is sometimes likened to Lucina, the sun goddess.
Santa Lucia Day now marks the start of the Christmas season in Sweden.
On the morning of this day, the eldest daughter of the family arises and
puts on a special long white dress, and a crown of greenery and candles
on her head. She then serves her family a special breakfast of coffee
and saffron flavored buns or gingersnap cookies.
The practice has spread to schools and businesses, where a young girl is
chosen to act as Lucia and give out the treats, spreading cheer just
like the sun goddess spreads cheer with her rays of light. Sometimes,
choosing the girl is a little like a mini beauty contest! The Lucia
queen leads a procession through the streets from house to house. All
the girls in the procession wear long white robes and carry candles.
Because of the long period of darkness in mid-winter, all kinds of
lights are welcomed, and candle-making and candle giving are an
important part of the Swedish holiday period.
After the procession there will be a party, and cakes called
Lussekatter, or Lucia cats, are served. They symbolize good luck,
because cats are supposed to keep the devil away.
Many hotels have their own Lucia, who serves guests coffee and
Lussekatter in the morning.
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JustSayGO Travel Show
This was originally a Christian festival observed in Sweden in
commemoration of the Sicilian martyr, Lucia, of the third or fourth
century. No-one is quite sure why she became a favorite of the Swedes or
when they moved the date forward by about a week. Tradition says that a
noble heathen was attracted to Lucia by the beauty of her eyes. To
preserve her chastity she had herself blinded, on the shortest and
darkest day of the year (the winter solstice). She has come to symbolize
light, because she chose to sacrifice her vision and live in darkness,
and is sometimes likened to Lucina, the sun goddess.