Saint Lucia

December 13th is the Church feast day for Saint Lucia. Despite the fact that she was Sicilian, she is one of the few saints celebrated in the overwhelmingly Lutheran Scandinavian countries.

While the feast of St. Lucia has been observed since the Middle Ages, the tradition of processions began in the late 18th century in Sweden. Public processions of women, wearing white robes and carrying a single candle, are popular and often televised. A girl is elected to head the procession, portraying St. Lucia. She also wears a red sash and a crown of candles. The candles symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life.

During the Middle Ages, December 13th was the approximate (Julian) date of the winter solstice. According to folklore, a witch, Lussi, emerged with her followers during this longest night. It was thought best to stay indoors and celebrate noisily. Many Scandinavians still observe that tradition.

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