St. Lucia Day
Continuing the with the theme of light in the darkness with Lucia - bearer of light.
This 400-year-old custom brings peace and joy each year on December 13th – the custom began in Sweden and is celebrated around the world by families with Swedish heritage. And, although most of my heritage is Swedish (six of my eight great-grandparents came to the United States from Sweden as young adults), my family never celebrated St. Lucia Day. I first learned about this beautiful tradition when I read Kirsten's Surprise while tucked into bed under a cozy, heavy quilt at my Grandma Eva's house. There was such magic in how I imagined Kirsten bringing coffee and St. Lucia buns to her family, candles shining in her crown of greenery, in the darkness of the early morning.
Lucia of Syracuse, is said to have been martyred for her faith in 304 AD, when she came to the attention of the Roman authorities. She brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way through the darkness with a crown of candles.
December 13 was the historic Julian calendar’s shortest day, and according to Swedish folklore, the long night was dangerous, with dark spirits out in force. Staying awake, keeping a light shining, and eating food all maintained connection to the mortal world. As some of the ancient Norse traditions were replaced or combined with Christian traditions, St. Lucia - the bearer of light - was the perfect saint to commemorate during the winter solstice observances, traditions, and ceremonies.
The night treads heavily
around yards and dwellings
In places unreached by sun,
the shadows brood
Into our dark house she comes,
bearing lighted candles,
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia.
In December, the northern hemisphere sees the shortest daylight hours, and people, all through time, have longed for the lengthening of daylight and have found ways to celebrate the light and shine the light through the darkness. This morning, I will light a candle, drink coffee, and eat some sweets - to celebrate St. Lucia Day - the festival meant to bring hope and light at this darkest time of the year.