We love St. Lucia Day, December 13, too. The name Lucia
means “light.” During the Middle Ages,
the Swedes were suffering through a severe famine. According to legend, on December 13 a ship
glowing with light appeared on Lake Vannern in Sweden carrying a woman dressed
in white with a glow around her head. The ship brought desperately-needed food to
the people and then quietly sailed away.
The Swedes dubbed the woman in white St. Lucia, who was actually an
Italian saint, and ever since celebrated her during the darkest part of the
year.
Many families who celebrate the day have their eldest
daughter wake early and wear a white gown with a red sash and a crown of
candles on her head. She serves the rest
of the family coffee and Lussekatter (Lucia buns). While her younger brothers and sisters may
act as her attendants, everyone becomes involved by singing traditional Lucia
songs.
Whatever their
origins, today’s festivities are lovely, light-filled, and an opportunity for
family and friends to spend time together. Mothers can now buy Lucia crowns with electric
candles for the safety their daughters in white. Although some Swedish-Americans prefer to host parties later in the day, they continue the tradition of coffee and Lussekatter. In this season of sharing, we are making our favorite
Lussekatter recipe available for you. Go here to receive it.
We invite you to stop by Ingebretsen’s this weekend and
celebrate light with us. Find out more
about St. Lucia Day. Bring your
family. Learn about St. Lucia together.
We ‘d love to see you again,
Diane and staff
