Celebrating Santa Lucia Day
Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) was a young Italian girl who was martyred for her faith in 304 AD. During Advent in Sweden, one of the biggest celebrations is Santa Lucia’s Day originating from the stories told by the holy Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.
Traditionally ‘Lussekatter’, St. Lucia’s Day Buns flavored with saffron and dotted with raisins, are served by a girl dressed in a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head. A recipe for Santa Lucia Braided Bread, a festive inspired by the candle-covered crown she is said to have worn to light her way as she brought food to the persecuted Christians hiding in the catacombs, can be found at Catholic Cuisine.
Our little girls had been counting down the days to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Santa Lucia Day, thanks to their Advent calendars! They went to bed early last night, since they have been getting over a cold, but our 8 year old was able to stay up long enough to add all the raisens to the Lussekatter. “Rose” and I had everything baked and ready for them when they woke up.
I’m definitely going to miss these days when they are all grown up!
Night walks with a heavy step
Round yard and hearth,
As the sun departs from earth,
Shadows are brooding.
There in our dark house,
Walking with lit candles,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!
Excerpt from Santa Lucia Song
Happy Feast of St. Lucia!
We started this tradition a few years ago with our youngest children after seeing your posts about it. Our girls had so much fun waking their brothers in candlelight. I had the same thought as you…how much I will miss these things when they’re grown. Also, the Shining Light Doll St. Lucy set arrived just in time and our girls love it. Thank you for the suggestion.
St. Lucia, pray for us.