Celebrating a Decade Santa Lucia: Saint of Light (5th Most popular post)

Am slipping already.  But here it is, first published in 2011, and last in August of 2019. No concerts this year -=--but enjoy some images. 

First published on December 8, 2011, here is the fourth most popular post on this site.  Some of these posts remind me how long I have been writing this blog and how I have tried to learn about this country and its culture. I truly enjoy most of Swedish festivals and celebrations.  Santa Lucia is one of the calmer ones.  After 2011, i have tried to attend these ceremonies every year.  Not always successful since the ceremony starts at 7 a.m, which is too early and too cold for Decembers.  But whenever I have done that, a shower of light and happiness washes over me.

A hope alights. 

Now, Ms. Lucia, the lady of light has visited and we can start to see chinks in the darkness, which will only grow for the next six months.  Here is a short video

Lucia-The bearer of light (another Video)

The above pictures, as is obvious were borrowed from the net.  And the following is directly copied from the invitation from the University. 

Along side Midsummer, the Lucia celebrations represent one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth.

Lucia is an ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winters.

The many Lucia songs all have the same theme

The night treads heavily

around yards and dwellings

in places unreached by sun

the shadows brood

into our dark house she comes

bearing lighted candles,

Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia

All are Welcome!! December 13, 2011. 7:30 -8:00 A.M.