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We wish you a happy Lucia!

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Today is Lucia in Sweden and we wish family, friends and all readers a happy Lucia and a great day! By the way, what do you know about the history of the Swedish Lucia celebration? And how do you celebrate yourself?

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The Swedish Lucia tradition

Lucia is, according to Nordic Museumis both a traditional and a modern holiday. In Swedish peasant society, Lucia's night on 13 December was considered the longest of the year and according to folklore, Lucia's night was dangerous because supernatural forces were at work and animals could talk.

Originally a woman dressed in straw, in the 19th century she had one or two companions and as the custom moved into the cities she was joined by bridesmaids and star boys.

The modern Lucia celebration

The candle-adorned Lucia, who arrives with a tray in the morning, was a high society custom that originally occurred mainly in western Sweden. The first time we know for sure that Lucia was celebrated in this way was in 1764 near Skövde. 

The current character of the celebration only came about in 1927, when Stockholms Dagblad organised a Lucia competition and the winning Lucia walked in a procession with electric lights in her hair. The competition then spread to other newspapers and to the public ...

Saint Lucia the saint

According to the saint's legend of St Lucia, she lived on the Syracuse in Sicily, a beautiful city that we visited during our trip to Europe. Lucia was born into a rich family and took a vow of chastity at an early age.

When she was older, her mother promised her to a man. Lucia managed to persuade her mother to return the promise, but the man in question felt offended and Lucia was arrested and martyred in 304.

How do you celebrate Lucia?

Are you celebrating Lucia and if so, how? For us, it may not be a major Lucia celebration, but we are enjoying a free Sunday in the houseboat and planning a herring and nubbe meal. Not bad when you haven't eaten herring for a year ...!

Uteplatsen på vår husbåt igår
The patio on our houseboat yesterday

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