Listen to Lucia

Lucia is a holiday celebrated in Sweden on December 13, as well as the name of the main character of the holiday. In Sweden, Lucia is included together with the four Advent Sundays in the preparations for the Christmas celebration.

A dangerous night according to folklore

According to Nordic folklore, December 13 was a dangerous night because it was believed that supernatural powers were in motion then. It was also believed that the animals could speak during the Night of Lucian. All Christmas preparations had to be ready for St. Lucia's Day and they celebrated that by eating and drinking a little extra. The pets also received extra feed.

Today's Luica celebration

The tradition that is today associated with today's Lucia celebration originates from the end of the 18th century in Western Sweden where Lucia Day was a day of celebration, which then spread to the rest of Sweden. The Swedish modern Lucia consert is a mixture of several traditions, most of which are folk, but also have Christian elements. Lucia now comes with candles and carols together with her Lucia entourage. Lucia and her bridesmaids and groomsmen are often dressed in white. The accompaniment is often accompanied by elves and gingerbread. Nowadays, all sorts of figures can also be found in a Lucia entourage, although often with a Christmas touch. Lusse cats and gingerbread are often served in connection with the Lucia conserts.

Lucia is one of the few holidays in the Scandinavian Protestant countries that is named after a saint: Saint Lucia.