Lucia

Today, 13 December, Sweden & Scandinavia celebrates Lucia Day. The event symbolizes light in dark winter.

Celebrated annually in December, this 400 year old historic custom, is an atmospheric event as integral to Swedish culture as midsummer & crayfish parties.

Lucia is the bearer of light in the darkest time of the year arriving with a crown of candles, accompanied by handmaidens carrying candles and star boys with cone-shaped hats, all dressed in long white robes.

A Lucia procession sometimes includes children dressed as gingerbread biscuits and elves. Everyone sings traditional Lucia songs that most Swedes know (more or less) by heart.