St. Lucia's Day
December 13th.

This day, largely  unnoticed by me before moving here, is greatly celebrated in Sweden.  

No one is able to give a definitive history of St. Lucia.  We know she was a Christian woman who lived at around 300-400 AD in Syracuse, Italy, and who was martyred for her faith.  For more information, I refer the reader to a Catholic reference website, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75, and, of course, to Wikipedia. 

Speaking of Wikipedia, to save me a lot of time and typing,  I offer the following:
"In Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, Lucy (called Lucia) is venerated on December 13 in a ceremony where a girl is elected to portray Lucia. Wearing a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles on her head, she walks at the head of a procession of women, each holding a candle. The candles symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life when she was sentenced to be burned. The women sing a Lucia song while entering the room, to the melody of the traditional Neapolitan song Santa Lucia; the Italian lyrics describe the view from Santa Lucia in Naples, the various Scandinavian lyrics are fashioned for the occasion, describing the light with which Lucia overcomes the darkness. Each Scandinavian country has lyrics in their native tongues. After finishing this song, the procession sings Christmas carols or more songs about Lucia." 

Here is a lovely, and not atypical, example. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2-Q_ObdE-4

Today, in Sweden, the day is celebrated everywhere. It would literally be difficult to not come across a St. Lucia celebration. They are in schools, workplaces, churches, and town squares. However, I do not think most people are remembering St. Lucia and her brave stand for Christ.  Rather, today, I think most are appreciating a lovely tradition, which is associated with light. Sweden, which has a very dark winter, has many songs celebrating light. 

As a side note, St. Lucia rolls should be mentioned. They are light, softly sweet, saffron flavored, rolls.  For more about the rolls, see my December 2012 post entitled "First Advent". 

Hejdå! (Bye!)