St. Lucia Day

December the 13th is St. Lucia – a day of candlelight and song when the winter nights are so dark and long.  Days  before December 13th, you can find Lussebullar (also called Lussekatter or saffronsbullar) in all of the bakeries in anticipation of Lucia Day. This is a traditional bun shaped like an “S” with saffron flavoring, which gives it the classic yellow tint and a distinct flavor.  We enjoyed our Lussebullar buns for breakfast before heading out to the Lucia concert. 

Lucia was first celebrated in Sweden in the late 1700’s, but not in the same way as nowadays – it wasn’t until 1927 that Lucia became a public event. Lucia was originally a celebration observed only within the household by each family. The oldest child would wear a crown of candles and bring their parents breakfast in bed (Normally consisting of Gingerbread cookies) while singing Lucia songs. This is still a common family tradition today as every year stores sell the Lucia Crowns that families can use at home.

The many Lucia songs all have the same theme:

The night treads heavily
around yards and dwellings
In places unreached by sun,
the shadows brood
Into our dark house she comes,
bearing lighted candles,
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia.

We attended the traditional Lucia celebration at Skansen. While we missed the main performance (we had to leave early because it was too cold for Belle), we attended a smaller concert in the Seglora church.

This Lucia procession was by a local, all women’s choir, but many Lucia performances include male members. Boys dress up as stjärngossar (Star boys), wearing cone shaped hats decorated with stars, tomtar (Santas) wearing all red, or gingerbread men, which is common for the much younger boys.

Saint Lucia is one of few Saints celebrated in Sweden, representing the spreading of light when the dark nights are longest and warmth when the winter is coldest. There are many different stories of Lucia’s history.   Born in Sicily (283-304), she is said to have become a Christian Martyr after seeing an angel in her dreams when she prayed for her dying mother. She devoted herself to Christianity, distributed her wealth and dowry to the poor, and refused to give up her virginity even after marriage.

Some versions say that when she was sentenced to be defiled at a brothel and refused, nothing could move her. Not even 1,000 men and packs of oxen could make her budge from where she stood. Instead they built a fire around her, but she did not burn. They stabbed her in the throat but she continued to sing and preach.

Lucia is seen as a protector. She cared for her mother when her father was absent. She spreads light to cure the darkest part of winter.  (At one time in history, it was believed that December 13 was the winter solstice  and thus the longest night of the year.)    It was also on this night that “Lussi’s,” known as witches or demons, supernatural beings, trolls, and evil spirits of the dead would roam the darkness. It was Lucia who would protect people against harm by bringing hope and joy through spreading the “light in her hair”.

Even though all the songs were sung in Swedish and I didn't know what was being said, it was an amazingly beautiful event to see.