A Scandinavian Christmas Tradition
Sophie Jackson, front left, as one of Lucia’s attendants at the American Swedish Historical Museum Lucia Fest. Photo: American Swedish Historical Museum
Sophie Jackson, a sixth grader from Swarthmore, participated in the Saint Lucia celebration at the American Swedish Historical Museum earlier this month. This Christian feast day and celebration of lights commemorating the Italian martyr Saint Lucia marks the beginning of the holiday season for many Scandinavians.
On the morning of December 13, the oldest daughter in the family dresses as Saint Lucia, in a white gown and a crown of greens with lit candles, and brings her parents a tray of sweet saffron buns and coffee. Her sisters and brothers, as Lucia’s attendants and star boys, also dress in white.
