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| Saint Lucia Sweden |
Now in the winter night
Good folk are waiting.
See now the maid of light,
Darkness abating.
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| Saint Lucia’s Braided Bread |
Into our hearts she walks,
Telling her story,
Candles in shining crown
Lighting her glory.
Symbol of love sublime,
Moving o’er space and time,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.
Into this winter night,
Come, maid of shining light,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.
When on this earth she walked,
Bravely confessing,
All to the poor she gave,
All felt her blessing.
Ever her legend grew,
Spanning each ocean.
Light of the longest night,
Maid of devotion.
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| St. Lucia and Star Boy from Armadillo Dreams |
Symbol of love sublime,
Moving o’er space and time,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.
Into this winter night,
Come, maid of shining light,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia.
Lucia Morning in Sweden (OOP- ebook can be found here)
Hanna’s Christmas (OOP – listen to the author read the story here)
Lucia, Saint of Light (listen to the audiobook here)
Around the Year Once Upon A Time Saints (December 13 – Lucy)
Lucy: A Light for Jesus (new purchase this year)
Santa Lucia, Ora Pro Nobis!
Thank you for putting this together! We've never celebrated St. Lucy's feast day but now we have a little Lucy of our own and I've got to get on board! Many beautiful ideas here. And the tired child peeking out of his bunk is a priceless image. 🙂
How precious! I love how the girls dress up their dolls as well! By the way, what is the symbolism of the 'Star Boy'?
God bless,
Melanie
Happy name-day to your little Lucy! We celebrate a name-day on this feast too, which makes it extra special! 🙂
It is a swedish tradition and I've read this over at Wikipedia:
Now boys take part in the procession as well, playing different roles associated with Christmas. Some may be dressed in the same kind of white robe, but with a cone-shaped hat decorated with golden stars, called stjärngossar (star boys); some may be dressed up as "tomtenissar", carrying lanterns; and some may be dressed up as gingerbread men. They participate in the singing and also have a song or two of their own, usually Staffan Stalledräng, which tells the story about Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, caring for his five horses. Some trace the "re-birth" of the Lucia celebrations in Sweden to the tradition in German Protestant families of having girls dressed as angelic Christ children, handing out Christmas presents. The Swedish variant of this white-dressed Kindchen Jesus, or Christkind, was called Kinken Jes, and started to appear in upper-class families in the 18th century on Christmas Eve with a candle-wreath in her hair, handing out candy and cakes to the children. Another theory claims that the Lucia celebration evolved from old Swedish traditions of “star boys” and white-dressed angels singing Christmas carols at different events during Advent and Christmas.
and I've also read this about Star Boys:
The Star boys walk about from house to house "singing at the doors, with a star on a pole". The dramatic part is introduced by one of the Wise Men knocking on someone's door asking: "May the star come in?" If the offer is accepted, they are all invited inside. Then the whole procession will enter the home singing a spcial Christmas carol. Then the play begins.
In the performance, the Three Wise Men, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, are first confronted by Joseph, who tries to protect the newborn baby Jesus (a doll) and his wife Mary from the intruders with a wooden axe. The three magi are however most welcome inside after saying that they have brought with them presents for the child. The Wise Men also have to mislead King Herod, who is also trying to find the new born 'prince' in the stable. Both Gaspar and Melchior fight the king and his men with swords, together with Joseph who uses his broad axe, while Mary nurses her son and Balthazar takes care of the shining star.
After the performance Judas comes to collect money or other gifts from the audience in a large bag. The young boys are usually treated to strong drinks and cakes afterwards. Then the Star boys leave the house for their next visit to somewhere in the neighbourhood, singing a song containing a farewell and many thanks for the received gifts.
A number of years ago we were sent the Star Boy hats and star wands from a friend from Sweden! My oldest two boys have never wanted to dress up, but Snuggles enjoys it. Yesterday I forgot to take out his Star Boy hat and he reminded me 🙂
This post brings back so many memories! When I was growing up, my family celebrated St. Lucy's feast. When my little ones (2 year old and newborn) are older we'll have to continue the tradition. My family and I never did the braided bread, so maybe that's something I'll start with my own kiddos! May God bless you and your beautiful family!
You are such a beautiful family. Love the traditions! You have taught me so much about making special memories with our kids. Thanks for your example!!!
How sweet! Looked like it was a great morning.
Awesome. I love the star boys. I just heard of that this year. We couldn't do the early breakfast this year. But we were able to get the story read and we loved it. I bought the OL of G pop up and everyone ooohed and ahhhhed over it as we aye our Mexican feast and read it over dinner. Thanks as always fir the inspiration!
Looks like such a fun tradition for your girls, and the boys must love waking up to the delicious breakfast too!
I love all you did for St. Lucia's feast day! I'm (for the most part) half Swedish and half Norwegian, so even before converting into the rich and wonderful Catholic faith, my family celebrated this day. Your pictures warmed my heart and reminded me of my childhood!
My aunt also told me just this Friday that my grandmother's mom, Hulda, had hair 6 feet long that caught fire one year (back in Sweden)…she wore it in a bun for St. Lucia day thereafter.
In Sweden we wish each other "God Santa Lucia dag!"
Here's a link about the Lucia scholarship program and the young lady who won this year:
http://www.scanheritage.org/c-18-lucia.aspx