Santa Lucia Day is December 13, but we didn't get around to it this year until AFTER Christmas!
Santa Lucia is known in Sweden as the "Queen of Light." She was born in Syracus, Sicily in the third century A.D. of noble Greek parentage. She wanted to give her dowry to the poor, but the man to whom she was betrothed was furious! He brought it to the authorities, and she was martyred on December 13, 304. She is called the "Queen of Light" because she was willing to give up her life to honor Christ.
On this day, the eldest daughter (or mother) in the family protrays Lucia. Dressed in white and wearing a crown of lighted candles symbolic of her name she awakens the family with a tray of freshly baked Lucia buns and hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Since I am Swedish (50%), it is a way to honor my heritage and pass on this lovely tradition to my children even when it is a little late. :)
Friday, December 28, 2007
362 - Late Lucia LOL!
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4 comments:
Fun tradition, and great picture.
Looks like fun but your picture caught me off guard because it almost looked like you were serving your own head on the tray!!! lol... what a great tradition to pass down. I love having traditions. But, I didn't grow up with any so I've had to create my own.
Um, your hair's on fire ?!?
I love that you actually do the crown, Carol. St. Lucia Day is when we typically go get our Christmas tree, and I typically make a braided ring, too. Didn't get to the bread/cake this year, though.
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