What Is Lucia Day In Sweden?

In Sweden, December 13 is not just one of those regular shmegular, cold and possibly dark days. Because on this day, Lucia’s glowing candles are brightening up the long and dark December nights of the country where Ikea is originally from. But who is Lucia, and how does she light up Sweden? Keep reading to find out!

Who is Saint Lucia (Saint Lucy)?

Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy was an Italian martyr at the age of twenty. She was born in the year 283. According to stories, she was born to wealthy parents but her father passed away when she was just five years old. Her mother was believed to be of Greek descent and was named Eutychia.

Saint Lucy’s feast day is on December 13, and she is the patron saint of the historic Italian city Syracuse in Sicily.

When is Saint Lucia’s Day?

Saint Lucia’s (Sankta Lucia) Day or the Feast of Saint Lucia is an annual celebration observed on December 13 – this day is known to be the shortest day of the year and the closest to the winter solstice. Another name for this special day is Luciadagen or Lucia day, a day to honor Saint Lucy.

What happens on the Feast of Saint Lucia?

On Luciadagen, children are dressed in white full-length nightgowns with a red sash. They also wear a crown of candles.

Another event that happens is known as the Lucia train procession or Luciatåg. During this time, a girl portraying Saint Lucia leads the procession. She is then followed by Lucia handmaidens (tärnor), gingerbread men (pepparkaksgubbar), Christmas elves (tomtenissar) and star boys (stjärngossar).

Saint Lucia’s Day Traditions

• The Procession: A train of adults and children carrying candles and singing traditional festive songs.
• Fika Treats: Trays of gingerbread biscuits, lussekatter (saffron buns), coffee, and glögg (Swedish mulled wine) are served.
• Kindness: Bringing warmth and light to others through random acts of kindness.

Sankta Lucia Song

Natten går tunga fjät rund gård och stuva
kring jord, som sol förlät, skuggorna ruva
då i vårt mörka hus, stiger med tända ljus,
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia.

Natten går stor och stum nu hörs dess vingar
i alla tysta rum sus som av vingar
se, på vår tröskel står vitklädd med ljus i hår
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia

Mörkret ska flykta snart ur jordens dalar
så hon ett underbart ord till oss talar.
dagen ska åter ny stiga ur rosig sky
Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia