A Folk Tale of Sweden “The Legend of Lucia”
The Festival of St. Lucia, traditionally celebrated on December 13, begins the Christmas season in Swedish custom. In Sweden, Lucia symbolizes the coming end of the long winter nights and the return of light to the world. The story below inspires St. Lucia Day, which is celebrated to remember the power of kindness and light. It is a festive day when children dress up, and the girl who plays Lucia wears a white gown, a red sash, and a candle crown. Other children carry candles, and boys wear star-shaped hats. The procession is accompanied by traditional Lucia songs. After the procession, people enjoy coffee and special saffron buns called “lussekatter”. The St. Lucia festival is a celebration with a message of love: it is a way to spread love, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas as the darkest time of the year approaches.
Once upon a time, in snowy Sweden, a village was facing a harsh winter with lots of darkness and hunger. A kind young girl named Lucia decided to help. She baked bread for everyone in her village. To light her way through the dark, snowy night, she made a crown with candles to wear on her head. Lucia delivered the bread to her neighbors, bringing warmth and joy to everyone.
The Legend of Lucia – Version 2 (for adults)
A young woman named Lucia, which means light, was born to a noble and prosperous family in Sicily. Her father died when she was young, so Lucia was raised by her mother in the Christian tradition. When Lucia was a young woman her mother became very ill and Lucia accompanied her to the tomb of St. Agatha. They offered prayers there, and Lucia vowed that if her mother could be healed she would remain unmarried and devote her life to God. Lucia’s mother was healed. She revealed her promise vow to her mother, convincing her mother to allow her to give her inheritance, which would have been her dowry, to the poor. Lucia’s mother was touched and grateful for her healing so agreed, but Lucia’s suitor was not so cooperative. Not only had he lost beautiful Lucia, but her generous dowry as well. He reported Lucia to the government as being a witch and helping the Christians. Lucia was called before a judge, and was killed because she refused to renounce the Christian faith. At twenty years old, Lucia became a martyr, and accounts of miracles followed.
According to Swedish legend, after Lucia’s death a ship carrying a maiden “clothed in white and crowned with light” appeared on the shore in the Swedish province of Varmland during a great famine. The maiden, widely believed to be Lucia, distributed food and clothing to the needy, thus endearing herself to the Swedish people.