We have been using an Advent curriculum for the month of December that focuses on all the different aspects of Christmas celebrations. One part of it is the Christmas around the world section. Since we were studying Geography this year I thought it would be a good fit. Also, our girls love American Girl Dolls and this one reminded us of something we had seen before and so it was neat to learn all about this tradition from Sweden...St. Lucia's day.Here is a quick history:
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Sweden is the celebration of Saint Lucia's Day, on December 13th. Although not a legal holiday, Saint Lucia's Day is a day of great celebrating and merriment.
A Christian Maiden
The Story of Saint Lucia stretches back to the time of the Vikings and the Roman Empire. According to legend, Lucia was a brave young woman from the island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean. When Lucia heard about the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Diocletian, she gave one Christian family her entire dowry. This so angered her betrothed husband, that he told authorities that Lucia secretly practiced Christianity. Lucia, who died a martyrs death, was much admired for her courage, generosity and faith.
The Vikings
Viking sailors heard of the story of a young girl living in Italy, who had died for her Christian beliefs. The Vikings, who were also Christians, were so moved by Lucia’s story that they brought it home with them to Scandinavia. The Vikings imagined Lucia to be a shining figure, surrounded by light. This tale was favored by northern people, since the days were short during the winter, making daylight a precious commodity. It was also helpful that Saint Lucia’s day, December 13, marked the beginning of the Winter Solstice, in Swedish folklore. Also according to folklore, unmarried girls believed that Saint Lucia would tell them who their future husband would be, on her saint day.
Celebrating Saint Lucia Today
On the morning of December 13th (Saint Lucia’s Day) schools, businesses and homes choose a “Lucia.” The Lucia is dressed in white robes and red ribbons and wears a crown of candles on her head. Often times the eldest daughter plays Lucia, and greets her family with a breakfast of hot coffee and pastries, known as Lucia Buns. This ritual honors the legend of Saint Lucia bringing food during a famine. This more modern adaptation of Saint Lucia began in the 18th century and is similar to the German Christmas custom of Chistkindl.
So of course, we made our own Lucia outfits and even made the wreaths to put on their heads. Much safer than putting candles on their heads! Anli was the one who thought of making the wreaths out of paper and decorating them! It was perfect and such a fun day together!
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Sweden is the celebration of Saint Lucia's Day, on December 13th. Although not a legal holiday, Saint Lucia's Day is a day of great celebrating and merriment.
A Christian Maiden
The Story of Saint Lucia stretches back to the time of the Vikings and the Roman Empire. According to legend, Lucia was a brave young woman from the island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean. When Lucia heard about the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Diocletian, she gave one Christian family her entire dowry. This so angered her betrothed husband, that he told authorities that Lucia secretly practiced Christianity. Lucia, who died a martyrs death, was much admired for her courage, generosity and faith.
The Vikings
Viking sailors heard of the story of a young girl living in Italy, who had died for her Christian beliefs. The Vikings, who were also Christians, were so moved by Lucia’s story that they brought it home with them to Scandinavia. The Vikings imagined Lucia to be a shining figure, surrounded by light. This tale was favored by northern people, since the days were short during the winter, making daylight a precious commodity. It was also helpful that Saint Lucia’s day, December 13, marked the beginning of the Winter Solstice, in Swedish folklore. Also according to folklore, unmarried girls believed that Saint Lucia would tell them who their future husband would be, on her saint day.
Celebrating Saint Lucia Today
On the morning of December 13th (Saint Lucia’s Day) schools, businesses and homes choose a “Lucia.” The Lucia is dressed in white robes and red ribbons and wears a crown of candles on her head. Often times the eldest daughter plays Lucia, and greets her family with a breakfast of hot coffee and pastries, known as Lucia Buns. This ritual honors the legend of Saint Lucia bringing food during a famine. This more modern adaptation of Saint Lucia began in the 18th century and is similar to the German Christmas custom of Chistkindl.
So of course, we made our own Lucia outfits and even made the wreaths to put on their heads. Much safer than putting candles on their heads! Anli was the one who thought of making the wreaths out of paper and decorating them! It was perfect and such a fun day together!
Now if you take a close look at Virginia (these are photos from my iphone so they are not the best quality) you may think she looks JUST like the American Girl doll Kirsten! That is the one they had seen and read a little about...so they were extra excited to get to dress up and play Lucia for the afternoon.
Fun days...
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