Light amid Darkness

Yesterday was Saint Lucia Day, an Italian tradition borrowed by the Swedes, who celebrate it in an even more elaborate manner than the Italians themselves. The story behind this tradition has to do with a girl who lived in Sicily during the 3rd century A.D. Her name was Lucia. She became a martyr because of her Christian faith. She was engaged to a man who was not a Christian and he became angry with her as she gave money to poor families. When she refused to marry this man, Lucia was sentenced to die by fire, but the fire did not harm her. So they took her life by sword instead. Later on Lucia was deemed a saint by the Catholic church.

In Sweden, Saint Lucia has turned into a celebration that suits the Swedish conditions--a celebration of light on one of the darkest day of the year. The ritual calls for a girl dressed in white dress and waring a crown of candles on her head to leads a procession of girls and one "Star Boy". Together, they sing the Lucia song and several other Christmas songs, and then serve coffee and Lucia buns. This can take place in a church, at home or in workplaces. You can read more about this Swedish tradition here.

This year I went to see a Lucia concert in a church for the first time. The Lucia girl was the daughter of my good friend. It was a charming and wonderful experience.

There are two ways of spreading light: To be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
~Edith Wharton