Santa Lucia Day is celebrated throughout
Europe and other places, but it is especially popular in Scandinavian countries.
Saint Lucy lived in the 3rd century during a time of extreme
prejudice against Christians. According to one story, she brought food to
Christians hiding in the catacombs. In order to free her hands to carry as much
food as possible, she fashioned a wreath with candles that she wore on her head
to light her way through the catacombs.
In northern Europe, the festival of Santa
Lucia celebrates her bringing light into the dark, and was traditionally held on
the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. On the Julian calendar, the
solstice was on December 13th. When the switch was made to the
Gregorian calendar, her feast day remained on the 13th, even though
the solstice had been moved to the 21st.
To celebrate Santa Lucia, a girl chosen to
represent her dresses in a white dress with a red sash and wears a wreath with
candles. She carries sweet rolls and desserts and gives them to her family and
friends. In larger parades, other girls, also dressed in white and carrying
candles, will dress as her attendants. Boys can dress in white robes with
conical hats decorated with golden stars or as Santa’s helpers.
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