The lights of Christmas are soft and subtle. Candles and stars. They are different from other lights. They seem to illuminate only what is important. They are not exposing, they are revealing. Everything looks prettier, lit by Christmas lights.
In the early morning hours of December 13, she dons the simple white robe and red sash. Upon her head is placed a crown of candles. She leads a procession of younger children through the darkened homes, bearing light and nourishment, to those within.
She is Santa Lucia. The Queen of Light.
In Sweden, December 13 is St Lucia's Day. Legend says that Lucia was a Christian martyr of the fourth century. How this beautiful, Sicilian Saint (and in predominantly Lutheran Sweden too) came to be associated with the far, northern lands of Scandinavia, is something of a mystery. But there may be a clue in her name -- Lucia. It is derived from the Latin word Lux, which means Light.
In the ancient Julian calendar, December 13 was the night of the winter solstice -- the end of the long journey into darkness. The return of the light. Today, in the those northern latitudes, darkness comes in the very early afternoon.
Light is precious.
My family is of Swedish decent, and we began keeping the tradition of Santa Lucia when Jordan, my oldest (and inheritor of all the Scandinavian genes) was very small. We modify it slightly. Traditionally, Lucia carries coffee and saffron buns, but we're not coffee drinkers, and have you seen the price of saffron?!? So, it's usually hot chocolate or wassail, and cinnamon rolls or cookies, at our house.
We also like to tie it in to the larger celebration of Christmas, as well. After all, isn't that really what Christmas is all about:
The Light, which pierces the darkness.
25 comments:
What a beautiful post with beautiful pictures. You have a lovely tradition with your family - I am sure your children will cheris these moments for years to come!!
That is a wonderful tradition. And I love the pictures. The last one really made me smile. :)
Fabulous photography Chris! I love the legend of Santa Lucia. I am of a bit of Norwegian descent but my family pretty much had santa clause plow over every other tradition. My children celebrate without santa's big shadow -- he's just a bit player. The Christ child and the many traditions worldwide that welcome him have become the foundation of our ever growing traditions. Beautiful post. : D
Amazing photos this week. That is a beautiful tradition. :)
Such a lovely post, Chris! Wonderful story and you have shared a lot. The pictures are great. Happy Christmas!
Christmas lights are my favorite part of Christmas time.
What a wonderful tradition! You get to celebrate your heritage and Christmas. Your daughter is beautiful! :)
nice tradition :)
i love sitting in the room with only the christmas tree for light
I miss this little program. Can't wait to see it again. And Emma is adorable dressed up, but I will forever think of Jordan when I hear this story.
Wow, she looks like an angel! What a wonderful tradition.
Amazing photos, Chris!
oh my daughter was just studying this at Preschool!
I am loving those photos.. Great tradition.
I am stunned with this great post. The photos are so heartwarming, and the tradition of it all nourishes my soul. thank you!
happy PSF!
That is really fascinating and I first came across St Lucia on another post of a Swedish descent blogging friend. Great pictures, lovely tradition.
What a wonderful tradition and some awesome photos.
Those pictures of your girls are fantastic. They brought me to tears. I had never heard of St Lucia. Absolutely beautiful.
I just love reading your blog Chris. It brings a smile to my face and heart every time. You are such a good person. I feel priveledged to know you if only through blogging.
Visiting from Photo Story Friday...
I always look forward to seeing your PSF posts...last week was the leg lamp and now this gorgeous post. What a great tradition and the photos (and the subjects!) are gorgeous!
Follow the light, in every way. Beautiful thoughts and sentiments Chris.
What a wonderful tradition and I think it is great that you make the effort to pay attention to the traditions of your ancestors. Beautiful pictures too!
awesome post! beautiful pictures!
this was beautiful...
Lovely photos. I'm a Brit living in Sweden, so have celebrated many a Lucia. You might like to read more about my take on it here:
http://ladyfi.wordpress.com/2008/12/13/light-in-her-hair/
Beautiful pictures and a great tradition.
What a wonderful tradition. I hadn't heard of that one before. I love your photos, beautiful.
What a fun tradition. And, a beautiful way to share it with your family.
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