From my understanding, the holiday is different in different countries. I only read one country's version. The Scandinavian version picks one lady a year to be St. Lucia. It might be different in Sweden.
Zega, why don't you tell us what the day is about, and what you do to celebrate. We are all interested, but we have no idea what it is. I sure would like to know
Well, it is almost like a normal day. But, I'm no expert on it. :P In school there is a "Lucia tag (Ã¥ messes up)" and it means "Lucia Train". Ok, i know it sounds idiotic. :P It is a little group of people that sing Christmas songs and Lucia songs. It has its history as well, but we don't read it so much in school.
Well, I just gave you a little info. I hope this helped! =)
To add to Zega's comment, those people sing while wearing strange, white costumes and carry candles. There have been several incidents where homes and establishments have been damaged by fire because of these ceremonies.
The ceremony almost reminds of some sort of satanist group...
I don't miss it, in fact, I usually dread this time of year, weather in USA or Sweden.
I do miss those little saffron breads with raisins on them... Mmmm...
Lucia procession would be a better expression, Zega. At my school we sang the Lucia song as well, a really beautiful song, actually, while the preocession moves through the corridors in the school. All in the class is dressed in white robes, each holding a candle. The Lucia bride walks in front, wearing a crown with four candles in it. The whole school is dark, and the proecession walks up on the stage, stops there, finishes the song and then the storytellers step forward, telling about Lucia, her faith and how she died, as well as why we 'celebrate' her and her faith. Then the bride and her followers begins the song again, moving off the stage, and down through the school again. After that, the school goes back to normal, but it leaves a nice feeling, though.
Forgive me. That last one is not the best, but most of you don't understand it anyway. It's not terrible, but it is about a mental disability. I mean no harm, in fact, I have several friends with mental disabilities. In fact, they are usually the nicest people.
That would be like the mocking song in Danish, I think it has much of the same lyrics.
The original (or, the song sung at the procession) is like this(translated by me): Now the light is brought forward Proud on your crown In houses and homes The song will be heard now on the day of Lucia We will greet our friends Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia
Here at our (perfect/the fest we wish for) the song shall be heard gifts for each guest would will happily give out give us luck from the spring of luck untill our lives end Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia
Basic translation for understanding instead of sounding well.
