Santa Lucia Day
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on
December 13th, 2006
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Today is Santa Lucia Day here in Sweden. It's calm but beautiful celebration that some countries in Europe honor. We celebrate that the Swedish Vikings raped and brutalized women across the world a few hundred years ago. Alright, I made that up. Lucia was actually a Sicilian saint who was killed hundreds of years ago for her religious beliefs:
Down the village street comes a small group of young people. At the head of the group walks a pretty girl in a long, white dress. Upon her head she wears a crown of green leaves and seven glowing candles. In her hands she carries a tray of little cakes. Behind her walk some younger girls, also in white, carrying candles. A number of boys in tall, pointed hats follow them.The girl with the crown represents Saint Lucia, a young Christian girl. She was killed by Roman soldiers about fifteen hundred years ago for refusing to give up her religion.
People who watch this fine tradition for the first time are always amazed. It's almost a surreal experience to see the lights turned down and have a group of women, and a few men, singing beautiful Lucia/Christmas songs. It's especially nice since the different Lucia's make it a priority to visit the less fortunate to give them some joy. Hospitals and retirement homes really appreciate these visits.
It may sound like the Swedish are religious but that would be incorrect. We have more atheists than any other country and it's tough to find anyone consistently going to church. I'm not an atheist but it doesn't have a nice ring to it. We're a bit different. Most are "passive and hesitant atheists". Many are simply not sure God exists since there are no indisputable scientific proofs. But unlike many other religious nuts you are very unlikely to run into anyone trying to shove their beliefs down your throat. God may exist but we're not really sure is probably how most view religion. We don't care if you believe in Buddha, Allah, or God. If you're a good person you will be respected.
I'm heading over to school after lunch with the wife to take part in the celebration at my son's school. Not only are they doing some singing, they kids have also baked the traditional "lussekatter", a kind of saffron-flavored bun. After the singing, parents will mingle for an hour or so while the kids play. It will be the third time in two weeks that I spend a half day a my son's school. I'm starting to feel like one of the teachers. I'm unlikely to receive any more flowers for my parental work this year though.My son will be a "stjärngosse", dressed in a white robe and a funny hat like in this cute photo.
You can tell that Sweden is a star concerning equal rights for men and women. Lucia was of course a woman but men can also become Lucia. That's more common among younger kids but it's a refreshing little detail. There are female priests, congress is 45% women, and dad's also spend many months at home on parental leave caring for their ir loved little one. So why not a male as a Lucia? I'm pretty sure I speak for most men when I say that Lucia should be a blond, tall, and stunning woman. Sandra's choice for Lucia would most likely be Brad Pitt……
Popularity: 9% [?]
I get such an education from your blog. Seeing as my knowledge of Swedish culture comes from my monthly visits to Ikea, consider the valuable service you’re providing, giving me historical insight to go along with my well designed furniture and excellent meatball lunches.
Thank you for sharing your culture with your readers! Now more than ever people need to take the time to understand others.
You are assuming Brad Pitt is a male…
45% in legislature is an impressive stat… Canada has approximatly 10% of female in legislature…horrible, it’s like an old boys club.
Santa Lucia celebrations… I would have never known..thanks
Happy Santa Lucia day!!!
Keep up with the pictures. All I know about Sweden is that they have a bikini team and bank robbers hide their money there.
What a cool story – thanks for the insight! But please don’t forget Ed Norton. He would also make a fine Sicilian saint woman. In Sweden.
Oct 22nd, 2007 at 11:05 am
miracles…
miracles…
Aug 10th, 2011 at 12:21 am
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