In the early morning hours of December 13, all over Sweden and the other Nordic countries, "Lucia" brings light in the darkness of winter. Each school and each city chooses a girl to represent Lucia, the lightbringer, and she is followed by a procession of maidens carrying candles and sometimes treats such as gingerbread cookies and lussekatter for the people.
When this tradition first started out back in the late 1600's, December 13th was believed to be the longest and most dangerous night of the year and many stayed up through the night with candles burning. In the morning, they knew the darkest part of the winter was over and with only 11 day left until Christmas, it was time to celebrate!
This is my favorite Swedish tradition, in school I always loved getting up early in the morning and dressing in the gown, making sure I knew all the songs and had the candle ready. It was such a magical feeling when the school is completely dark except for the procession lit up by candle light, moving through the hallways lined with people while singing songs that have been sung for hundreds of years.
A friend of mine recently pointed out that it seems a bit strange if you haven't grown up with it, and I suppose he has a point, but here, judge for yourself :)
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