“Embracing the Light of Lucia: Sweden’s Shining Tradition”
The Luminous Legacy
In Sweden’s deep winter, when daylight barely graces the northern skies and Stockholm experiences a mere six hours of sun, a young woman adorned in a white gown, crowned with blazing candles, steps forth. Lucia, or St. Lucia, as she is revered, heralds the darkest day of the year, Dec. 13, with song and light, weaving warmth into the chill of winter’s morning.
The Swedish Icon
Luciadagen, Lucia Day, stands as one of Sweden’s most culturally significant holidays. Children don costumes, serenading audiences with the traditional song “Sankta Lucia,” while workplaces engage local choirs, churches host processions, and the nation collectively acknowledges the commencement of the Christmas season.
The Choral Tradition
Ulrika Nordlander, a member of the Stockholm University choir, embodies the spirit of Lucia, leading processions across the city. At Seglora kyrka in Skansen, an 18th-century wooden church, her choir enchanted audiences in a celebration that fills hearts with joy and illuminates the darkness of winter.
Celebrating Beyond Borders
Beyond Sweden’s borders, Lucia festivities resonate in cities like Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and New York, epitomizing the joyous spirit of Swedish communities. Post-procession, it’s customary to convene for coffee, gingerbread cookies, and Lucia buns, adding sweetness to the revelry.
A Sicilian Saint’s Nordic Tale
Originating from Syracuse, Sicily, in the fourth century, Lucia’s journey to become a cultural staple in Sweden remains shrouded in mystery. Historically tied to pastoral celebrations around the winter solstice, the Dec. 13 observance traces its roots to Julian-to-Gregorian calendar changes in the 18th century.
From Tradition to Transformation
The modern fervor for Lucia blossomed in the 20th century, particularly after Stockholm’s Dagblad newspaper initiated the selection of Stockholm’s Lucia in 1927. Initially, the iconic figure wasn’t confined to the blonde stereotype but later became synonymous with a young, fair-haired Swedish woman.
Diverse Representations
Today, the role of Lucia transcends hair color, nationality, or gender. Anyone can embody Lucia’s spirit, exemplified by professional soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimović donning the crown of candles. This inclusivity symbolizes Lucia’s global journey, resonating in communities worldwide.
Personal Reflections of Tradition
As communities of Swedes dispersed globally, their traditions traveled too, echoing in celebrations like those at the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. For many, these events evoke cherished memories of singing carols, donning costumes, and relishing Lucia’s radiance.
Embracing the Luminous Spirit
From reminiscing about past Lucia experiences to being a part of present celebrations, the enchantment of Lucia endures. It’s a tradition that transcends borders, echoing in diverse settings, a testament to its timeless allure and universal resonance.
Finding Lucia Nearby
Churches and cultural institutions in Stockholm, including Seglora kyrka and Storkyrkan, host Lucia processions on Dec. 13 and the preceding weekend. Similar celebrations occur in Swedish communities across the United States, from Philadelphia’s Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church to Svenska Kyrkan in New York.
Joining the Light Online
For those distanced from physical celebrations, SVT broadcasts Luciamorgon, a special program featuring a Swedish youth choir, available for streaming on SVTPlay on the morning of Dec. 13. Experience the enchantment and embrace Lucia’s radiant spirit.
