They say that one of the reasons that you know you've been in Sweden too long is when the sight of a young woman with lit candles stuck to her head no longer disturbs you!

What now, I hear you ask? Yes, I now have yet another Swedish Christmas tradition to enlighten you about. December 13th. Luciadagen.

The Swedish Lucia celebration, is a good example of an annual festival of medieval origin, which has acquired a new image. Just how Lucia became an honoured saint in Sweden is a bit of a mystery, for she was born in Italy in the third century. People here believe that her story was brought to Sweden by Viking traders who had become Christians.

Her name means "light" and because she died close to the winter solstice, she became a symbol of light to the sun starved people here in the north. They imagined Lucia as a shining figure crowned by a radiant halo. In Sweden, she is revered as a symbolic figure who greets us when the days are darkest and brings back the light. She gives a promise that soon the days will become longer again and daylight will return. Thus the choice of a light haired girl as Lucia.


Lucia is celebrated in a variety of ways but the most common is the Lucia Procession, consisting of a group of young girls and boys singing traditional Lucia songs. The lucky girl chosen as Lucia wears a crown made from a wreath of green lingonberry leaves. In this crown sits seven lit candles. She also wears a white, full-length gown, with a red ribbon round her waist.

Her attendants are dressed similarly and the stjärngossar or ”star boys” wear cone-shaped hats decorated with stars.

The celebration includes carol singing, Lucia coffee, which is served with lussekattar ”Lucia cats”, a saffron-flavoured bun, and gingerbread biscuits. Lucia symbolically opens the door to Christmas and is seen as a symbol of the good forces in life.

This Feast of lights is celebrated all over Sweden and it is a very special and wonderful occasion. In every town, city, school, even workplace there is a Lucia. The girl is crowned here in Nynäshamn at the church and the parade winds through the town in the early afternoon, with stops at various places for refreshments and singing. You can click on the link and find the song Sankta Lucia.



Santa Lucia, thy light is glowing
Through darkest winter night, comfort bestowing.
Dreams float on dreams tonight,
Comes then the morning light,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.



And the recipe for those great buns can be found here

And a picture: Lussebullar

We are off sailing for a few days to the Christmas markets at the island of Utö – back later with picturs and an update. I hope it doesn’t snow while we are sailing!