Today is 13th December, and on this day in Sweden we celebrate Lucia (St Lucy's day). I found this short video on YouTube, with a short introduction in English to the tradition.
I haven't been out to see or listen to any live Lucia celebration this year, but I watched one performance on TV this evening (rerun from the early morning, when I wasn't up yet...)
8 comments:
Thank you for sharing this video about the lovely tradition. What an honor for the young lady who wears the candles on her head. We will soon celebrate the birthday of the Light of the World, light is so powerful.
Those girls can sing! It's a beautiful, peaceful, dignified and at the same time cheerful tradition.
By what I gather from the wikipedia entry about her, Lucia's historical existence is quite certain (the same can not be said about all the things she apparently did and survived). I wonder what she, who died in the year 304 at around 20, would say if she knew that so many centuries later, people still celebrate in her honour.
It's such a beautiful tradition.
When my husband was working in Sweden in December, years ago, he was invited to the local church to witness the ceremony. His colleague's daughter had been chosen to wear the candle crown.
Terra, St Lucy's day is part of the whole Advent/Christmas celebration here, and that's why I also like to have my "angel choir" up and singing for 13th Dec. :-)
Meike, one may wonder indeed. Probably never easy to guess from start how very long-lasting traditions may arise, grow and develop through centuries...
Carol, I understand that the Lucia celebration is often a very special and somewhat mystical experience for foreigners visiting our country, not having grown up with the tradition themselves!
my blog friend Inger mentioned this today, she is an American Citizen but is from Sweden, been here since she was 19. she sent an email talking about Santa Lucia and how much she misses it.. i am sending her your link
Sandra, in this part of the world it's a very literal "light in the dark" celebration. I imagine it probably wouldn't feel quite the same in a warmer climate...
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