In Sweden, a special celebration of Christmas is St Lucia's Day. On this day one of the daughters in the family wakes her parents with coffee and Lucia Buns. She dresses in a long white robe and has a leafy wreath in her hair, studded with candles. She is helped by her assistants, the boys dressed as "star boys" with long pointed hats pasted with golden stars.
During the day this offering of coffee and cakes continues amongst neighbours and workmates.
Things to do
- Give each member of the family a kiss and say "Have a happy day".
- Hold a Lucia Coffee afternoon tea
- Sing a song...
Night plods with heavy tread,
Court and cot covering.
O'er earth now sunshine's sped,
Shadows are hovering.
Mirk in our home takes flight
When comes with tapers bright
Sancta Lucia, Sancta Lucia.
Mute was the night with gloom:
Now hear faint bustling
In every silent room,
Like pinions rustling.
Lo! on our threshold there
White-clad, with flame-crowned hair,
Sancta Lucia, Sancta Lucia.
"Mirk soon swift wing shall take
From earth's vales darkened."
We to the words she spake
In wonder hearkened.
"Now shall another morn
From rosy skies be born."
Sancta Lucia, Sancta Lucia.
Lussibruden
"For many centuries the Swedish Christmas season has been ushered in by Lucia Brides throughout the country on December 13. This custom originated during pagan times, when this festival was a celebration to greet the returning of the sun. The Swedish winters are long and cold and dark and people have always cherished this occasion to plunge into a veritable abundance of light in the way of torches, bonfires and candles..." - Anna Olsson Coombs
St Lucia is, in fact, an Italian saint from Sicily and is associated with the festival of light. History tells us that her eyes were removed because she refused to renounce her virtue and Christian faith. St Lucia and ancient traditional celebrations have now been woven into the particularly Swedish celebration of St Lucia's Day.
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