Dec. 13 marked Sankta (Santa or Saint) Lucia Day for some diehard Scandinavians like myself, who wish to commemorate the virgin Christian martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who was known to have brought food and supplies to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs in the early fourth century. She wore a candle-lit wreath on her head to light her way, leaving both hands free to carry as much as she could.
It is also thought that Scandinavians combined Saint Lucia Day with the celebration of Winter Solstice, as her name literally means “light” and she carried both the physical and spiritual light into darkness. There were some discrepancies between the Gregorian and Julian calendars, making Dec. 13 the shortest day of the year around the 14th century.
Today, songs are sung, and processions are held, girls dress up as Saint Lucia and her handmaidens, wearing white robes with a red sash on Lucia, symbolizing the bloodshed in her martyrdom, and the crown of candles on her head, carrying gingerbread cookies, saffron buns and glögg (mulled wine) with almonds and raisins in it. Boys join the procession dressed as star boys or gingerbread men carrying lanterns.
Lucia Day celebrations are anchored in tradition, but they keep evolving. In our house, it is the one time of year when I make saffron buns, though we do enjoy mulled wine all through the holiday season. We have found a printable crown of candles for my daughter to wear, and the boys like their star-adorned cone hats. We have yet to find the white robes for everyone, but with my ever-growing kids, that would be a yearly upgrade.
December is a full month for many reasons, but we find it important to celebrate those who came before us to serve others in need, bringing good news and light to a dark world. Winter solstice is next week, celebrating the shortest day of the year, and that too, though pagan in origin, has evolved in our family to mean something entirely different. But more to come on that next week.
How can you help someone in need this holiday season? Where can you bring light into this dark and desolate world? Bake goodies and share with a neighbor or old man down the street. Share a smile with the busy clerk the next time you’re out shopping. Or leave your extra dollar in the red kettle at the door. Be a light, just as Saint Lucia was centuries ago.
Andrea Borsvold is a busy homesteading mama of three who loves God, coffee, sewing and the beauty of nature living in northwestern Minnesota. She writes regular columns for the Grand Forks Herald.
Andrea Borsvold is a busy homesteading mama of three who loves God, coffee, sewing and the beauty of nature living in northwestern Minnesota. She writes regular columns for the Grand Forks Herald.
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Publish date : 2024-12-14 00:02:00
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Publish date : 2024-12-14 22:16:40
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