17th Century painting of a

3rd Century Sicilian saint,

Saint Lucia

St. Lucia: The History

Sweden was converted from its Nordic pagan religion to Catholicism in the Middle Ages

Sweden was converted to Lutheranism after the Reformation

St. Lucia was a Catholic saint, adopted by the Lutheran faith, and now celebrated as a symbol of return and renewal at Winter Solstice in both religious and secular celebrations

St. Lucia: The Legend

On the darkest night of of winter, near the Winter Solstice, a young girl was seen in a boat off the coast of Sweden, carrying fire in a lamp and bread to save the starving, freezing Swedes. She was surrounded by light.

Traditionally, the eldest daughter brought coffee and Lucia bread to parents in bed early on Dec. 13, to celebrate the return of the light and the beginning of the holiday season.

Today, in Sweden, and around the world where Santa Lucia is celebrated, young women wearing white dresses, red sashes, and candles in a crown deliver bread to hospitals, schools, and churches on Dec. 13.

Swedish Smorgasbord

Holiday feasts begin on Santa Lucia.

Dozens of traditional dishes are served, including lutefisk, meatballs, herring, and salmon.

Late 20th Century

Swedish American

Celebrates

Santa Lucia Day,

Moscow, Idaho

Dozens of friends and family come to our house for a Swedish feast and to see the Lucia girls. We celebrate hope and renewal, and the beginning of the holiday season.

Lucia Girls celebrate Santa Lucia Day, 2004

Sources

Lilly Lorenzen, Off Swedish Ways (New York: Harper & Row, 1964), 197-224.

Florence Ekstrand, Lucia: Child of Light (Seattle: Welcome Press, 1989), 1-40.

Sven H. Rossel and Bo Elbrond-Bek, eds., David W. Colbert, trans., Christmas in Scandinavia (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996).

Interviews:Ivar Nelson, Moscow, Idaho, Nov., 15, 2005.Lynn Baird, Moscow, Idaho, Nov. 15, 2005.By telephone, Katrina Nelson, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 13, 2005.Email correspondence, Julia Baird, Moscow, Idaho, Nov. 12-13, 2005.