December 13, 2007

It's St. Lucia Day, celebrated most prominently in Sweden and Norway and sometimes called Little Yule. It's another one of those transferences like St. Nicholas — St. Lucia was martyred at Syracuse (in ancient Greece, now Sicily) in the 4th century. But her anniversary was also the day of winter solstice, according to old calendars, and her name means "light".

According to legend, she appeared in Sweden wearing a crown of light. Hence the crown of candles worn by the daughter chosen to wake family members, distribute gifts, and serve saffron buns (lussekatter) and coffee, in this Swedish Festival of Lights.

Now the light is carried forth,
proud on its crown,
in every house and home,
the song shall ring.
On this Lucia day,
our circle of friendship is greeted,
Saint Lucia,
Saint Lucia.
On this Lucia day,
our circle of friendship is greeted,
Saint Lucia,
Saint Lucia.

Here's more lore about the Sicilian saint who became a Swedish favorite and more on Wikipedia about Saint Lucia Day.

Tips for the day

In celebration of St. Lucia Day, how about recipes for lussekatter (saffron buns) and Swedish coffee?

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