Sweden

Around Christmas time in Sweden, one of the biggest celebrations is St. Lucia’s Day on December 13th. The celebration comes from stories that were told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. They told stories of a young Christian girl who lived in ancient Rome and was persecuted by the Romans. The stories told that she would secretly bring food to the Christians living in hiding in the catacombs of Rome wearing candles on her head so both her hands were free. A pagan festival of lights in Sweden was turned into St. Lucia’s Day.

St. Lucia’s Day is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles on her head. (Normally electric candles are used for safety!) The crown is made of Lingonberry branches which are evergreen and symbolise new life in winter. Schools normally have their own St. Lucias and some town and villages also choose a girl to play St. Lucia in a procession where carols are sung.

Saffron flavoured buns dotted with raisins called ‘Lussekatts’ are eaten on St. Lucia’s Day. Ginger biscuits called ‘Pepparkakor’ are also eaten.

Christmas Eve is also very important in Sweden. A meal made of pork, herring, lutfish (dried cod), brown beans and rice porridge is eaten. Presents are exchanged at this time as well. People often go to Church early on Christmas morning.

Families sometimes have goats made of straw in the house to guard the Christmas Tree! Straw is used as a decoration in homes, to remind them that Jesus was born in a manger. Christmas Tree decorations that are made of straw are also very popular.