Santa Fe's Santa Lucia December 9 2006

An evening at our place. Celebrating (the Swedish version) of the longest night (typically done on December 13th). Good Swedish food, music and a great group of people.

The story behind the event:
The Lucia celebration in Sweden today has a background in both pagan and more recent Christian traditions. Light has always been an important facet of life in this northern country with its dark and severe winters. The worship of the Sun God at Midwinter is of ancient origin and it was natural that, in Christian times, this tradition became combined with Christmas, which is today the most important holiday in Sweden. Lucia carries the message of Christmas, coming with light in her hair on the darkest morning of the year, according to the old calendar. She is the symbol of love, compassion and light.
Regarding the Christian origin, there are several legends. The most well-known tells of a maiden in the town of Syracuse in Sicily around 300 A.D. She joined the Christians in their charitable work and, when betrothed to a wealthy young man, even gave away her wedding gifts to the poor. Because of her "strange" behavior, she was thrown in jail, tortured, and eventually condemned to death by burning. She emerged from the fire unharmed, only to be slain by her foes with a sword. Years later, Lucia was sainted by the church and her story became known to all Christians. It is believed that sailors brought the story to Scandinavia, where it evolved to the tradition we know today.
The Swedish festival honoring Sankta Lucia started as a family tradition in which the eldest daughter, dressed in a white gown and red sash and assisted by her brothers and sisters, brought lusse-bread, coffee and ginger cookies to her parents by candlelight at dawn. The red sash represents the blood spilled when Lucia was killed by the sword. The name Lucia is derived from lux, which is Latin for light. The Lucia custom spread and today there are Lucia processions along the streets, as well as in hospitals, schools and offices, all part of the tradition announcing that Christmas will soon be here. The Nobel Prize winners, who receive their awards at this time of year, are also visited by a Lucia procession in their hotel in Stockholm.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• swedish
• celebration
• of
• light
• candles
• cookies
• santa
• lucia

[cathmomof32b]

What a beautiful tradition... made me cry! Thanks for sharing.

[jenoise]

Happy to share! I am glad it makes someone else cry... it's such a sweet tradition. Hej du!

[Tthira]

Thank you in swedish is "tack ss mycket", I think.Cute little angel.

[jenoise]

Thank you as well. Good thing too, Cathy is as sweet as she apprears.

[cathmomof32b]

Would you be able to tell me where we could find a head wreath with candles like the one the little girl is wearing? We'd love to start this tradition this year in our family. Thanks!

[jimswe]

one of the best Lucias iv'e ever seen.

[cathmomof32b]

Where did you get the St. Lucy wreath? I'd like to start the tradtion...except our 3rd child is due on December 13!