Today 13th December is Luciasdag - St Lucia Day.
As you may have gathered the Swedes are really into their traditions and festivals and these are patriotically and joyfully adhered to and celebrated, creating a real sense of belonging in the community. I think this is what I love about the Swedish Culture, even though it is an egalitarian society, they still have retained their cultural identity. Alas, this unfortunately is not the case in England.
ST LUCIA
singers
T-Centralen Train Station
STOCKHOLM
Do you recognize the LUICA?
As you may have gathered the Swedes are really into their traditions and festivals and these are patriotically and joyfully adhered to and celebrated, creating a real sense of belonging in the community. I think this is what I love about the Swedish Culture, even though it is an egalitarian society, they still have retained their cultural identity. Alas, this unfortunately is not the case in England.
'Alongside Midsummer, the Lucia celebrations represent one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth.' (Po Tidholm, 2008)
Lucia is an ancient mythical figure with a abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters.
Although the tradition can be traced back to ST LUCIA of SYRACUSE, a matyr who died in 304.
Tradition has it that Lucia is to wear "light in her hair". The real candles once used are now battery-powered, but there is still a special atmosphere. The stjarngossar (star boys) who are like hand-maidens are dressed in white gowns, carry stars on sticks and have tall paper cones on their heads. The tomtar (brownies) bring up the rear, carrying small lanterns. Unfortunately, Joseph our youngest son was unwell and was unable to play his part of tomtar at his school service. (Somehow, I think he was relieved , I don't think it would have done his street cred any good back in England lol!)
The many Lucia songs (which I have yet to learn) all have the same theme:
Tradition has it that Lucia is to wear "light in her hair". The real candles once used are now battery-powered, but there is still a special atmosphere. The stjarngossar (star boys) who are like hand-maidens are dressed in white gowns, carry stars on sticks and have tall paper cones on their heads. The tomtar (brownies) bring up the rear, carrying small lanterns. Unfortunately, Joseph our youngest son was unwell and was unable to play his part of tomtar at his school service. (Somehow, I think he was relieved , I don't think it would have done his street cred any good back in England lol!)
The many Lucia songs (which I have yet to learn) all have the same theme:
The night treads heavily
around yards and dwellings
In places unreached by the sun
the shadows brood
Into our dark house she comes
bearing lighted candles
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia
All Swedes know the standard Lucia song by heart, and everyone can sing it. This morning on the radio, Lucia songs were played, beautifully sung by school choirs.
And as you may gather, the Lucia celebrations include more eating of peppakakor, and sweet saffron-flavoured buns called LUSSEKATTER they are shaped like curled-up-cats and with raisin eyes. You eat them with GLOGG or coffee. Yum yum!
HAPPY ST LUCIA DAY!
And as you may gather, the Lucia celebrations include more eating of peppakakor, and sweet saffron-flavoured buns called LUSSEKATTER they are shaped like curled-up-cats and with raisin eyes. You eat them with GLOGG or coffee. Yum yum!
HAPPY ST LUCIA DAY!
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