Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
St. Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13, is a deeply rooted festival in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish speaking regions of Finland. It honors St. Lucia (St. Lucy), one of the earliest Christian martyrs. Born in Syracuse, Sicily, Lucia is said to have been killed by the Romans in 304 CE for her religious beliefs, particularly her vow to remain a virgin and devote herself to helping the poor.
The festival of St. Lucia's Day marks her commitment to spreading light and goodness, even in the face of suffering. The holiday has evolved over centuries to celebrate hope, light, and charity, and it is one of the most important traditions to mark the beginning of the Christmas season in these countries.
The Procession and Traditions
The central feature of St. Lucia’s Day is the procession led by the St. Lucia designee, a young girl selected to represent the saint. She typically wears a white gown, a red sash, and a crown of lit candles or electric lights, symbolizing St. Lucia’s role as a bearer of light. The procession includes young girls, known as "tarnor," who also wear white dresses and lighted candles, and "stjarngossar," or "star boys," who wear white robes and pointy hats, representing the stars.
This procession is often accompanied by the singing of traditional Swedish carols, such as "Sankta Lucia," which is a key song of the day. In some regions, the celebrations also involve the recitation of poetry, traditional prayers, and other performances that honor the themes of light overcoming darkness.
Family Celebrations and Traditional Foods
St. Lucia’s Day is also a family centric celebration. It is customary for the eldest daughter (or sometimes another family member) to dress in a white gown and play the role of St. Lucia, serving coffee and traditional Swedish treats to the family. The most popular foods include "lussekatter" (saffron buns shaped like the letter S, often adorned with raisins), "pepparkakor" (ginger cookies), and hot drinks such as coffee or mulled wine.
These foods are not only enjoyed at home but are also shared with neighbors, friends, and visitors, further fostering a sense of community and togetherness. In schools, children often participate in St. Lucia processions, and many workplaces and public buildings hold their own celebrations with a St. Lucia crowned as the symbolic bearer of light.
Historical Roots and Symbolism
St. Lucia’s Day has roots in both pre Christian and Christian traditions. Before the introduction of Christianity in Scandinavia, the Norse people celebrated the winter solstice with bonfires, believing they had the power to drive away evil spirits and ensure the return of the sun. The holiday was a significant part of the Yule celebrations, which marked the darkest time of the year.
When Christianity spread to the Nordic countries around 1000 CE, the figure of St. Lucia was integrated into these midwinter festivities. Over time, the association of light with the winter solstice merged with the Christian story of St. Lucia, who is seen as a symbol of purity, hope, and endurance. The merging of these traditions created the St. Lucia's Day festival, blending both the pagan and Christian ideals of light, hope, and community during the dark winter months.
Today, St. Lucia's Day continues to serve as a symbolic beacon of hope and renewal, marking not only the beginning of the Christmas season but also a time to reflect on the importance of light and warmth in the coldest and darkest part of the year. The festival also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of St. Lucia, who, in the face of persecution, gave everything for her faith and the welfare of others.
