On the morning of December 13th, the eldest daughters in households across Scandinavia dress in white robes with red sashes with wreaths of candles upon their heads. They wake the members of their family with coffee, ginger cookies, and “St. Lucia” buns. Younger daughters follow holding single candles, the boys (called “star boys”) wear pointed caps. The whole procession may also sing traditional Swedish Lucia songs.
Before the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, this day fell on the darkest day of the year: the winter solstice. Winter nights are cold and long with up to 21 hours of daylight and only six to seven hours of daylight in the brightest regions.
Signifying the return of light to the world, St. Lucia symbolizes resilience and hope that spring will come again. She combats the dark, cold, harshness of the winter with the warm, gentle glow of her candles.
Read more about the legend and traditions of Santa Lucia, and a wonderful recipe for Lucia Buns (from the American Swedish Institute) here.
