Swedish Holiday Traditions -Saint Lucia

Swedish Holiday Traditions -Saint Lucia

Why and how we celebrate Saint Lucia Day in Sweden

I want you to close your eyes and imagine this: 

You’re shivering from cold and it’s still dark outside, even though it’s past 8 am. The fluorescents have been turned off and you’re nervously waiting together with all the other parents.

While the smell of ginger cookies mixed with pine needles escapes the kitchen, you hear giggles from younger siblings, someone’s coughing quietly and a baby starts crying.

Suddenly everyone’s shushing…SHHHH… Listen! The childish feeling of excitement, joy and christmas spirit fills your heart…

Far away, outside the hallway, you hear singing voices approaching…

Tomtar (Elves/Santa’s helpers) and pepparkaksgubbar (gingerbread men/women)

Tip-toeing at the end of the procession are mostly the younger children, dressed as little elves or Santa’s helpers. They’re wearing red and grey outfits and some of them are carrying a small lantern.

Cameras are flashing as the teachers help the children to line up at the front of the room. The children sing songs about the Lucia-bride who brings light in the dark night and about the coming christmas. Saint Lucia herself recites a poem. 

“Fika”

When the last elf has left the room and the tunes from the Lucia-song have faded away in the long hallway, helpers are serving ginger cookies (pepparkakor) and saffron buns (lussekatter) to go with coffee and “glögg” (non-alcoholic spiced wine*).

This describes any school in Sweden on December 13th.

Why we celebrate the Lucia-day in Sweden

The Saint from Sicily

Many stories –a mix between pagan and Christian beliefs– are being told about the origin of this Scandinavian winter tradition. The most common story is that the festival of Saint Lucia honors a saint named Lucia. 

St Lucia was a young Christian girl from Syracuse, Sicily, who was martyred and killed for her faith in 304. Legend says 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.

The Latin word “lux” means “light”. 

The darkest time of the year

It’s unclear how this tradition became so popular in Sweden. It has its roots in Medieval times, but newer (more modern) traditions have been added over time. Maybe the reason for the popularity of this Festival is that it indeed brings light into the darkness of the winter months. If you’ve been to Sweden in December, you know it’s very dark. Any light during this time is dearly appreciated!

December 13th used to be the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, in the old Julian calendar. 

During Medieval times Lucia marked the beginning of the Christmas fast. 

According pagan beliefs December 13th was a dangerous night when many supernatural powers were in motion. People would stay awake to guard off the evil powers.

The tradition of a Lucia procession is dated as far back as 1764.

The Lucia Tradition today

Most towns in Sweden have their own Lucia procession. A Lucia representative is being chosen, usually by voting.

It’s a great honor to become Lucia of your home town.

(Side note: I grew up in a small town and I remember how the girl who had the most relatives in town would always win the votes:)

Lucia is celebrated at local schools, churches, businesses, hospitals and old people’s homes.

A national Lucia representative is also chosen. It reminds a little of a Swedish pageant contest.

Symbols, meanings and fun facts

• The lingonberry branches in Lucia’s crown are evergreen and symbolize new life in the dark winter months.
• The candles used in the Lucia procession are real candles. Only smaller children under the age of 12 use electrical ones.
• The red ribbon Lucia wears around her waist symbolizes blood. Legend says the Romans stabbed her to death after an unsuccessful attempt to burn her. She wouldn’t catch on fire, as the flames parted for her.
• The starboys are believed to originate from the 3 wise men and have been added to the procession at a later date (possibly to give boys a role in the procession as well). The star they are carrying is “showing the way”, just like the star of Bethlehem showed the way.
• Lussekatter (saffron buns) is an old German tradition. The belief was that Lucifer, the devil, showed up in the shape of a cat to beat up the kids. Bright yellow saffron buns were baked to scare Lucifer off. If direct translated lussekatter means “Lucia-cats”.
• *Glögg = mulled wine that can be either non-alcoholic or mixed with wine. It’s served hot with raisins and chopped almonds (you put this inside the cup and eat with a spoon), to keep warm in the cold winter.

Translation of The Lucia song, known by most Swedes by heart:

FREE Resources about Swedish Traditions -Saint Lucia day

I have made an “easy to read” booklet that you can print out and read with your kids. Print out a two-sided page and cut the page in half. Then fold the two pieces of paper to create a small booklet. Click on the image below to download the FREE booklet about Saint Lucia Day.

~Swedish Lucia for Dummies

OR

~Santa Lucia in Sweden, by the Swedish Embassy in Macedonia

Here are also some really beautiful Lucia processions that definately will get you into the Holiday mode.

~Swedish Lucia TV broadcast 2015

~Lucia Olaus Petri Church in Örebro 2013

Of course there is so much more to find on the web.

Enjoy your Saint Lucia Day and Happy Holidays!

Save to your favorite Pinterest board to read later

Check out more fun posts about other cultures and traditions!