Festival of Light

 
 

 
It is when winter is at it’s darkest that we celebrate the coming of the Light, and the turning of the season that will bring longer days once again. Most people are familiar with the Jewish feast of Chanukkah, and how the menorah in the temple burned for eight days when the supply of oil was sufficient for only one night. But many Christians are unaware of a beautiful tradition honoring St. Lucia that is celebrated on her feast day – December 13th.

St. Lucia was the daughter of wealthy Greek parents who had settled in the colony of Syracuse on the island of Sicily. She was betrothed to a pagan by her widowed mother during a time of bitter Christian persecution. Lucia prayed for her mother to have a change of heart, and she did, through the intercession of St. Agnes. However, Lucia’s spurned suitor was not satisfied, and decided to turn Lucia over to Roman authorities according to Diocletian’s edict that all Christians were to be severely punished for their beliefs. On the day that Lucia was to be taken away by soldiers, she prayed to God for protection and was rooted to the spot where she stood. The soldiers were unable to move her, even with a team of oxen. The soldiers tortured her by plucking out her eyes, they tried to burn her, but were unsuccessful. Just before she was executed by the sword, her eyesight was miraculously restored.
 

 
Tales of the courageous Lucia of Syracuse were first taken to then pagan land of Sweden by Christian missionaries. She became known there as the “Lucia Bride”, dressed in white robes and on her head a crown of light. St. Lucia is also known as the Queen of Light, heralding not only the lengthening of days, but also the arrival of Christmas Day when we celebrate the birth of the Light of the World.

St. Lucia’s day is celebrated throughout Scandinavia with Lucia Fires (large public bonfires) on the eve of her feast. A girl from each church is chosen to represent Lucia, and she is accompanied by a court of white-clad girls and “star boys”, dressed in white with cone-shaped caps. Lucias often visit the sick, elderly, and confined, bringing joy and hope.

On St. Lucia morning, the eldest daughter, dressed in a white robe with a red sash and a lighted evergreen wreath upon her head, brings steaming mugs of coffee and Lussekatter (sweet saffron buns) to her family in the hours before dawn. Younger siblings may also dress in white and lend a hand. If a family has only boys, the eldest may dress as the Star Boy, or stjärngossar. His younger brothers might dress as Tomten, or gnomes.

Where to Buy:

The Gift Chalet in Auburn, Massachusetts is an enchanting shop filled with treats from all over Scandinavia. You can order St. Lucia wreaths and robes, cloudberry preserves (a special treat!), stationery and decorations for St. Lucia’s Day. You can even order the saffron for your Lussekatter. The friendly staff will pack your order to ship anywhere in the US.

Visit them online at www.giftchaletauburn.com, or telephone 508.755.3028