The Feast of Saint Lucia: Light in the heart of winter
Good morning,
Tomorrow will be Saint Lucia's Day, an iconic festival in Nordic countries — particularly in Sweden — but which is now spreading all over the world.
Who was Lucie?
Lucie, originally from Syracuse in Sicily, is believed to have lived in the 4th century .
December 13th commemorates his martyrdom.
Legend has it that she brought food to prisoners hidden in the catacombs, advancing in the darkness with a crown of candles on her head to light her way and keep her hands free.
A celebration linked to the longest night
In the old Julian calendar , December 13th corresponded to the shortest day of the year: a night perceived as dangerous, populated by malevolent spirits.
To protect themselves, the Swedes stayed awake all night. And to keep going… they ate!
Today's traditions
The tradition has endured and transformed.
Saint Lucia's Day is now celebrated with:
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processions called Luciatåg ,
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white clothes ,
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candle wreaths ,
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traditional songs ,
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and the distribution of sweets: gingerbread, saffron brioches, cinnamon...
You can listen to the traditional song HERE .
Happy Saint Lucia's Day!
