In Sweden, Sankta Lucia day, Dec 13th, opens the Christmas season. The Lucia festival dates from the 18th century honoring the first Lucia, of Syracuse, Sicily. She was a young bride who was martyred about 300 A.D. for her Christian beliefs. As the legend goes, Sankta Lucia was seen in Sweden, across from Lake Vanern, wearing her white gown and crown of lights. She was bringing food and drink to the hungary folk in the province of Varmland during a period of famine.

Sankta Lucia stands for the symbol of light and hope to all mankind. In today's celebration of the Christmas season, the role of Lucia is taken by the eldest daughter of each household. Dressed in a white robe with a red sash and crowned with a halo of flaming candles, she dispels the blackness of the season of long nights by carrying saffron buns and steaming coffee to her parents before dawn. Often she is joined by "Star Boys" who wear pointed hats and carry star wands, depicting wise men

 

Design by Suzanne Toftey