Happy Saint Lucy's Day

The Origins of Lucia

The Lucia celebration finds its roots in Italy, where the veneration of Saint Lucia (or Santa Lucia) played a central role in shaping the tradition. Saint Lucia, born in Syracuse, Sicily, in the early 4th century, is celebrated for her devotion to Christianity and acts of kindness. Her feast day, December 13, holds great significance. The Julian calendar was widely employed in medieval Europe. This calendar marked December 13 as the date of the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.

The association between Saint Lucia and light stems from her name, as Lucia is derived from the Latin word lux, meaning light. Saint Lucia’s unshakable faith and acts of kindness during religious persecution gave hope to early Christians. Legends depict her as a young girl who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in catacombs, wearing a wreath of candles on her head to light her way. The portrayal of Saint Lucia as a bearer of light amidst darkness laid the foundation for the tradition that would later be embraced in Sweden and other parts of Europe.

Lucia in Sweden

The tradition of Lucia arrived in Sweden in the 18th century, blending historical significance and festive charm. Over the years, it has blossomed into a procession led by a young girl chosen to portray Lucia. She wears a resplendent white gown, symbolising purity and light, adorned with a vibrant red sash, symbolising her martyrdom, and a radiant crown of candles, symbolising hope.

Lucia’s entourage includes maidens clad in white and wreaths of candles and star boys wearing conical hats and starry robes, all carrying saffron buns (lussekatter) and gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor). The hauntingly beautiful Lucia song (Luciasången) is sung a cappella by Lucia and her entourage, filling the darkness with melodies that warm the hearts of onlookers.

While the core elements of the Lucia celebration remain consistent throughout Sweden, there are regional variations. In Skellefteå, the celebration occurs outdoors, featuring participants elegantly gliding through the pristine winter scenery on horse-drawn sleighs. In Dalarna, Lucia processions include fiddlers and accordion players. Beyond Skellefteå’s juxtaposition of snow and candles and Dalarna’s integration of traditional folk elements, variations in costumes, songs, and customs can be observed in different regions of Sweden.

The Lucia celebration transcends national borders, with unique celebrations in Finland, Hungary, Italy, Saint Lucia, Spain, Venezuela, and more. But Lucia’s legacy remains consistent, uniting different cultures through our shared appreciation for light, music, and togetherness during the darkest time of the year.

Happy Saint Lucy’s Day.