This past Sunday I experienced my 1st Santa Lucia celebration/ procession. I was so taken by the experience that I did not get any pictures! I took my 2 daughters to see "The Swedish Festival" as they were calling it at a local Lutheran Church. The procession included approximately 12 women/ girls and 4 star boys. This holiday is celebrated in Sweden, most Scandinavian Countries and Italy. It is often called The Festival of Light, Saint Lucia is depicted wearing a crown of flames to illuminate while her hands are kept free.
St. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred for her faith in 304 AD. The story told is that she would secretly carry food to the Christians in Rome hiding under the city. She used the lights on her head to keep her hands available to carry more. Monks who 1st brought Christianity to Sweden also brought her story.
The Santa Lucia procession was truly a beautiful experience and I plan to return next December 13th! GOD JUL! (Merry Christmas in Swedish!)
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