Santa Lucia's Day ~ Festival of Lights

Our Scandinavian friends celebrate, Santa Lucia ~ Festival of Lights, beginning the wee hours of December 13. “How”, you ask wanting to know more.

Well, let me tell you the story; at least the sweetened-condensed version...

Lucia, a young Christian woman who refused to marry out-of-faith, is said to have been beheaded by order of Roman Emperor Diocletian on December 13, 304. Ouch. Lucia, meaning “light”, soon became the patron saint for the “light of the body”. Lucia symbolizes light and hope emerging from darkness of winter. It’s believed the Vikings heard of this beloved and martyred Santa Lucia while on trading expeditions to Italy and brought the story back home to Sweden.

Who knew the Vikings were so sensitive? Anyway, so begins the traditional Festival of Lights.

Towns across Sweden still celebrate with the Lucia Procession. One lucky girl is appointed to be Lucia to lead the procession. This Lucia, adorned in a white coat tied with a red sash and with a lit chandelier atop her head, is accompanied by her attendants. The girls dress similar to Lucia, while the star boys, called sjarngossar, wear cone-shaped hats decorated with stars. Hmmm...burning candles near hair vs. conehead...anyhoo. These youngsters parade about town singing traditional Lucia songs and Christmas carols while delivering coffee, ginger biscuits, saffronbread and perhaps even a little julglogg.

Many Scandinavian families celebrate Santa Lucia Day at home. One of the daughters, wearing a traditional white dress, will wake each family member with a tray of coffee and saffronbread.

So, now you just gotta get into the spirit of Santa Lucia Day? Click below for a couple recipe links to get your festive-self started.

Pepparkakor (ginger biscuits / cookies) Pepparkakor Recipes

Julglogg (spiced wine)
Julglogg Recipes

Warning to all pets: Too much owner glogg-glogg can lead to your participation in the festivities.