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.

December is a very dark month, especially in Sweden.

When I was little, my older sister would wake me early in the morning and beckon me to be quiet. This was not easily done. All of us would be in the kitchen getting on our white robes. One of my older sisters would wear the wreath of lit candles. A tray of Lussekatter, little saffron buns, ginger cookies, and two cups of coffee were lovingly processed down the hallway of our Oregon home singing the famous Lucia song, bringing light and a celebratory breakfast to my parents.

The party would quickly move back to the kitchen where Swedish Christmas music was played on the record player and more coffee and Lucia buns were devoured.

Long ago, but not so long that we have forgotten, legend tells of a young maiden dressed in white wearing a wreath of burning candles on her head. Coming from Värmland in Sweden, she crossed Lake Vantern in a boat to bring food to the starving villagers on shore. Sailing in the darkness of December, the villagers could hear her coming by the songs that she and her attendants sang and by the candles on her head.

The original St. Lucia was a young Christian martyr who lived in Sicily, Italy in the 4th century. She was known for her love and kindness. The St. Lucia tradition can be traced back to the time of the Roman Empire. Lucia, a brave young woman from Sicily, heard about the persecution of the Christians by the emperorDiocletian. Knowing a Christian family in great need, Lucia gave her entire dowry to them. Her fiancé became enraged, broke off the engagements, and told stories that Lucia was secretly practicing Christianity. Lucia died a martyr’s death for her act of kindness and generosity.

Every December 13th, we continue a long family tradition of celebrating St. Lucia. My parents were from Sweden and they brought this tradition along with them. In the darkest hours of the morning a young girl with a wreath of candles on her head brings hope, warmth and light to the darkest, coldest time of the year.

It is the day we h honor light during the darkest time of the year.

Also on this special December day, this procession is played out in homes, schools, and businesses all over Sweden. Though Santa Lucia Day is thought of as a “Swedish” holiday, it must be noted that all of Scandinavia celebrates St. Lucy’s Day as well as many people of Scandinavian descent all over the world. It is a time for us to join together in joyful celebration of song and food during the darkest time of the year.

For those of us who celebrate St. Lucia, it is usually a celebration with two parts. There is one celebration at home with family and friends and the one at school or in the Swedish community. For us, nothing signifies that the holidays arehere better than the celebration of St. Lucia. Swedes and those with Swedish ancestry, embrace the darkest time of year with candle-light, song, and the most wonderful food.

The amazing taste and smell of Lussekatter/Saffron buns.

This past weekend was spent baking something called Lussekatter. These saffron buns fill the entire house with their amazing smell. Though the popular version of St. Lucia is actually quite modern, our saffron buns have an older history.Before the Gregorian calendar was adopted by Sweden, the 13th of December (St.Lucia Day) marked the Winter Solstice. It is believed that the Swedes originally celebrated this festival in the honor of Freyja, Norse goddess of beauty, fertility and creativity. With the arrival of Christianity, this became a celebration in honour of St.Lucia. During the pre-christian festivities it was thought that the spiral shape the Lucia buns make represent the wheels of the sun and the raisins the eyes of Feyja’s cats. After the 13th century, these “eyes” became the eyes of St. Lucia. Personally, I prefer the Freyja version.

Wanting a taste of the saffron buns yourself? They aren’t hard to make and your house will smell soooo good. I love this recipe because it is so moist.

Enjoy this playlist here to get you in the festive mood.

This video sums it up perfectly.

Wishing you much light in this darkest time of year.

Happy Santa Lucia Day !!!