Why do Swedes celebrate Santa Lucia?
Why do Swedes celebrate Santa Lucia?
Alongside Midsummer, the Lucia celebrations represent one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth. Lucia is an ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters.
What is Santa Lucia in Sweden?
Around Christmas time in Sweden, one of the biggest celebrations is St. Lucia’s Day (or St. Lucy’s Day) on December 13th. The celebration comes from stories that were told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304.
What nationality is Santa Lucia?
Italian
Lucy, Italian Santa Lucia, (died 304, Syracuse, Sicily; feast day December 13), virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily) and of virgins.
What is the story of Santa Lucia?
Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) is a Catholic saint who was born in Syracuse, Sicily, in 283 AD and was martyred at the age of 20. When Lucia refused, the angry suitor reported her to Roman authorities, and Lucia subsequently was sentenced to life in a brothel and forced into prostitution.
What does Santa look like in Sweden?
Father Christmas comes in two forms in Sweden: a gnome-like figure from Swedish folklore, called a jultomte, and a rather jolly old man with a white beard and wearing a fur-trimmed red suit, known the world-over as Santa!
What does Sweden call Santa Claus?
Christmas in Sweden: The tomte, Sweden’s version of Santa Claus, is a scary gnome.
What did Santa Lucia look like?
Lucy was represented in Gothic art holding a dish with two eyes on it. She also holds the palm branch, symbol of martyrdom and victory over evil. Other symbolic images include a lamp, dagger, or two oxen.
Who celebrates Santa Lucia?
Sweden
Lucia’s Day, festival of lights celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13 in honour of St. Lucia (St. Lucy).
What do Swedes eat at Christmas?
Christmas presents are under the lighted tree, candles shine brightly and the smorgasbord (or smörgåsbord, as it’s written in Swedish) has been prepared with all the classic dishes: Christmas ham, pork sausage, an egg and anchovy mixture (gubbröra), herring salad, pickled herring, home-made liver pâté, wort-flavoured …
What do Swedes eat on Christmas Eve?
6. The Main Meal Is Served Buffet-Style. You may be familiar with the Swedish concept of smorgasbord, and on Christmas Eve Swedes celebrate with a julbord. Fish features heavily (smoked salmon, pickled herring and lye-fish), plus ham, sausages, ribs, cabbage, potatoes and of course, meatballs.
Why did St Lucia wear candles on her head?
It is said that St. Lucia took food to persecuted Christians in hiding, wearing candles on her head to light her way so she could have both hands free. In Sweden, this tradition is upheld as the start of the Christmas season.
How did St Lucy lose her eyes?
According to later accounts, before she died she foretold the punishment of Paschasius and the speedy end of the persecution, adding that Diocletian would reign no more, and Maximian would meet his end. This so angered Paschasius that he ordered the guards to remove her eyes.
When is Santa Lucia celebrated in Sweden?
Sankta Lucia . Santa Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13th in Sweden. It commemorates the life of Santa Lucia, who is also known as Saint Lucy. It’s the beginning of the Christmas season in those countries and is a celebration of light – at the time of year when the world is darker.
What is the story behind Santa Lucia?
The Santa Lucia Story. (The Story) The Lucia Festival originated in Sweden where, according to legend, Lucia was a medieval saint who carried food and drink to the hungry in the province of Varmland during a period of famine. Lucia stands today as a symbol of light and hope to all humankind.
When is St Lucia Day in Sweden?
St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13th around the world, but it is especially popular in Sweden. The holiday is the feast day of the Catholic St. Lucia, but it originated as a pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice.
What is the history of Santa Lucia?
The Italian Santa Lucia (d. 304, Syracuse, Sicily; feast day December 13) was a virgin and martyr who was one of the earliest Christian saints to achieve popularity, having a widespread following before the 5th century. She lived in Syracuse, a town on the Italian island of Sicily.
