St. Lucia’s Day is a beloved holiday in Sweden that is celebrated on December 13th each year. It is a festival of light that marks the beginning of the Christmas season and honors Santa Lucia, a young Christian martyr who died in 304 AD.
The origins of St. Lucia’s Day are rooted in both Christian and pagan traditions. In Sweden, the holiday has been celebrated since the 18th century and is a time for communities to come together and spread light and joy during the darkest time of the year.
The most iconic symbol of St. Lucia’s Day is the Lucia procession, which typically consists of a young girl dressed in a white gown with a red sash around her waist, wearing a crown of candles on her head. She is accompanied by a group of girls and boys also dressed in white, holding candles and singing traditional songs.
The Lucia procession is a beautiful sight to behold, as the flickering candles light up the darkness and create a warm and cozy atmosphere. It is a tradition that is cherished by Swedes of all ages and is often performed in schools, churches, and workplaces throughout the country.
In addition to the Lucia procession, St. Lucia’s Day is also celebrated with traditional Swedish food and drink. One popular treat is saffron buns, known as “lussekatter”, which are sweet bread rolls flavored with saffron and raisins. Pepparkakor, or gingerbread cookies, are also a staple of the holiday.
St. Lucia’s Day is a time for reflection and celebration, as Swedes come together to honor the spirit of Santa Lucia and spread joy and light to those around them. It is a magical holiday that brings a sense of warmth and community to the cold winter months, and is a cherished tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.
