Embracing the Beauty of the Night in Sweden
Experience the enchanting celebration of Luciadagen in Sweden, as December 13 marks the arrival of light amidst the darkness Discover the rich legend behind this cherished festivity
Editors Note:
Swedes know a thing or two about living with light, or, right about now, living with a lack of it.
During December, the capital of the country, Stockholm, sees only about six hours of daylight per day. However, in the northernmost parts of the country within the Arctic Circle, the sun barely rises above the horizon for several weeks during the winter.
This somber phenomenon has given rise to an age-old Swedish cultural tradition that gains popularity every winter and is now spreading to Swedish communities around the world.
December 13 is known as Luciadagen or "Lucia Day" in Sweden, a celebration of light in the darkness. Originally based on the Julian calendar marking midwinter, the festivities now take place on December 21 or 22, coinciding with the winter solstice.
The day begins with a procession led by a chosen young person, followed by boys and girls in white full-length gowns with red ribbon sashes, singing traditional songs. While traditionally played by a girl, it is now common for anyone to take on the role, with even superstar Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic once posing as Lucia. These processions occur in various locations, including schools, churches, workplaces, and community centers.
Lucia adorns her hair with a crown of light, made up of real or, more commonly these days, electric candles in a wreath. She leads a procession accompanied by others wearing wreaths and carrying candles, as well as "star boys" holding stars on sticks and sporting paper hats. Often, Christmas "elves" with lanterns are also part of the spectacle.
Songs are a central part of the celebrations. While there are numerous traditional Santa Lucia songs, the most frequently sung one is a translation of: "The night is heavy/ around yards and homes/ In places untouched by the sun/ the shadows linger/ Into our dark house she enters/ carrying lit candles/ Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia."
An early morning Lucia Day procession takes place in Gustaf Vasa church in Stockholm.
Ola Ericson/Visit Sweden
The legend behind the festivities
This may seem unusual, but the tradition of spreading light and joy dates back hundreds of years, with roots in the peasant communities of old, symbolizing darkness and light, cold and warmth. According to Visit Sweden, this winter tradition is akin to the renowned midsummer festivals in June. The festivities are named after Lucia of Syracuse, a 4th-century martyr who reportedly brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, using a candlelit wreath to light her way.
There is no evidence that the legendary figure Santa Claus is buried in any Italian town.
Feasting is an essential part of Lucia celebrations, with gingerbread biscuits, saffron-flavored buns, and hot drinks being enjoyed after the songs and procession. The celebrations, lasting around 30 minutes, take place across Sweden, with Stockholm's historic Storkyrkan cathedral and the Seglora church in the Skansen museum being popular places to witness the spectacle. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the festivities being held at these venues.
The celebration of Lucia is gaining popularity among the Swedish diaspora outside of Sweden, with services organized by the Svenska Kyrkan in London and Brighton in the UK, at the Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, at Svenska Kyrkan in New York, at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, and at the Swedish American Museum in Chicago. Lucia feels like the perfect celebration for these dark days.
