Today is Sankta Lucia Day in Sweden
In the old calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year. It was also the most dangerous. A night when animals could speak and fairies, trolls, and giants roamed the forests. In the countryside, young people would dress up in costumes and go from house to house, singing songs, eating and drinking with their neighbors.
The custom of a Lucia dressed in white was first recorded in 1764, but didn't become popular until the 19th century.
The tradition continues today. On December 13th, Sankta Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden with festivals of light across the country. At the darkest time of year, people are reminded that our earth will soon begin to turn toward the light of spring.
According to tradition, the eldest daughter in the family, wearing a white dress with a red sash and a crown of candles, brings coffee and Lucia buns (lussekatter) to her parents in bed.
Yes, that's me, bringing coffee in our best cups to my parents in bed.
During the festivities, the Swedish version of the old Neapolitan song Santa Lucia is sung in schools, homes, and during Lucia parades in cities and towns across Sweden.
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This is a repeat post from last year. I hope you are not tired of seeing me as Lucia.
It's four in the morning here in California and I was awake reading an email from my Danish friend, who reminded me that Lucia is celebrated today. I've told the story of Saint Lucy several times on this day here on my blog.
Since I'm late, I will just post this now and wish you all a Happy Lucia Day. I will light a candle for Saint Lucy, a Sicilian woman, who has come to represent light during the dark season in the Nordic countries. And I will definitely play Andrea Bocelli singing the Santa Lucia song. Click below to hear this beautiful old Neapolitan song, that is heard everywhere in Sweden today. Traditions, how they originated, how we keep them up, I find it both interesting and lovely.
