St. Lucia

Lussekatt (Lucia bun!)

When I got to school on December 13th there was a table laden with free lussekatt (Lucia buns), pepparkakor (ginger snaps), glögg and coffee.  It was Lucia Day!  Swedes love Lucia Day but no one really knows why it is celebrated.  St. Lucia is an Italian Catholic saint who was martyred by a jealous husband when she refused to sleep with him because she'd made a vow to God to remain a virgin for life.  Somewhere along the way the Lutherans took her on as a saint. And then, over the years, Lucia become important with bringing the light.  In the Julian calendar it was believed December 13th was the shortest day of the year so Lucia brought the light making the days longer again. That is the tradition modern Swedes ascribe to.

All throughout the day Swedish children had Lucia services.  I wasn't able to attend one of those but did go to the city-wide Lucia celebration in the park.  Earlier this year there was a contest throughout the whole city for the position of Lucia.  The girl who was chosen then rode through the city in a horse drawn carriage and ended in the park near my apartment.  Lucia, her maids and star boys sang the traditional Lucia songs as it gently rained on us.  The music was very beautiful.  The mayor thanked Lucia for bringing the light and gave her a gift from the city.  Traditionally, Lucia should have then passed out lussekatt but, I think, due to the whole city being present this wasn't possible.

I love traditions.  Even the ones that don't really make any sense.  Christmas in Sweden is seeped in tradition and it's fun to take part in them.  Especially when they involve beautiful music and lights.

Many children were dressed as Lucia.

Malmö city Lucia with her maids and star boys.