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 or the Feast of Saint Lucia?
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 in 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 is leading the procession. The same girl is also wearing a white gown, with a red sash, and crown of candles. She is then followed by Lucia handmaidens or tärnor, gingerbread men or pepparkaksgubbar, Christmas elves or tomtenissar and star boys or stjärngossar.

This procession happens anywhere like at schools, community centers, churches, workplaces, offices, and many other places. Moreover, these places are decorated with candlelights to celebrate the special day.

What are some Saint Lucia’s Day traditions?
A Saint Lucia procession, led by a child who portrays Saint Lucia, of adults and children carrying candles and singing traditional festive songs.

A tray of fika treats (like gingerbread biscuits and lussekatter or saffron buns and coffee and glögg or Swedish mulled wine) are served after the procession. Some people engage in random acts of kindness, like visiting the sick, to bring warmth, happiness, and light to others.

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