One of the biggest celebrations during this season is Sweden is Luciadagen on December 13th. The celebration comes from stories that were told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304AD. The most common story told about St Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry things.
December 13th was also the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, in the old 'Julian' Calendar and a pagan festival of lights in Sweden was turned into St. Lucia's Day.
In modern Sweden we are told that in homes around the country the oldest daughter dressed in a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head would serve saffron buns and coffee to her family. The crown is made of Lingonberry branches which are evergreen and symbolise new life in winter.
Now truth be told my guess is the girl wears her pajamas ... skips the crown of candles ... but does serve fresh bread to her family.
This year I had my traditional Lucia party ... meatballs, bread fresh from the oven, and delicious goodies brought by all. The house was lit by candles and the lights from the tree. The most common question of the evening ... was I going to don the candles and walk around. Alas no, not this year ... nor did I last year, nor the year before.
But sometime in the 60s I was the Lucia at church. I wore the robe, the red sash, the wreath and candle (yes real candles) and served coffee and cookies at the smorgasbord. Once was enough ... and perhaps I might someday find a picture.
I think the important thing to remember about the whole Lucia thing ...
Serving the poor
Bringing light into darkness
Today ... reach out ... serve others, bring light into the darkness
