Saint Lucy's Day

The 13th of December is Saint Lucy's day and in the last few years through my Waldorf inspired homeschooling I've become aware of this day and how it is celebrated, particularly in Scandinavia. 

The start of Christmastide and light on those long, dark nights. Santa Lucia is celebrated by the eldest daughter in the family dressing in a white dress with a red sash (for martyrdom) and an evergreen crown adorned with candles. Boys (star boys) wear a pointed hat decorated with gold stars and carry a star wand. Some children also wear a cute gingerbread outfit (Pepparkaksgubbar) or dress as tomte.

A Polar Bear's Tale: Lucia by Elisabet Megner

On the morning of St Lucia's day, the daughter will wake the household with a basket of sweet breads like saffron buns or gingerbread cakes and biscuits.  there is a procession and songs are sung like the Tip Tap song. 



The Sankta Lucia procession. 

The silver star shines on the sea,

the waves are gentle,

the wind is favourable.

Come to my swift little boat.

Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

O dear Naples, o blessed land,

where creation was pleased to smile.

Come to my swift little boat.

Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Elsa Beskow