Celebrating winter solstice

Today is a Swedish holiday known as Santa Lucia (sometimes spelled Sankta Lucia).  Lucia means light, and this is a celebration of hope and light.  It is always on the 13th of December.

This is the cultural and traditional time to celebrate the darker days of winter and the coming solstice when the days will again begin to get longer, and lighter.

This year, the Winter Solstice happens on Thursday the 21st.  

So what is the connection between Santa Lucia and the Solstice?  And how can you celebrate?

Santa Lucia celebration. Image by visitsweden.com.

​Santa Lucia & the solstice

The winter solstice (in the  northern hemisphere) occurs on the darkest day of the year - when the day is shortest and the night is the longest it will be.  This always occurs on either the 21st or the 22nd of December.

​In the old Julian calendar, the shortest day of the year (or winter solstice) was considered to be on December 13th.  Then in the 6th century, the Feast of Saint Lucy began in Italy to commemorate the death of a young woman on December 13th 304 A.D. who was bringing food to the poor hiding in the catacombs. 

​These celebrations have become intertwined and now Santa Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden on this date and is considered the beginning of the 12 days of Christmas.

The celebration of Santa Lucia now represents so much aside from the historic religious connection. 
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Songs & Poetry

I remember Santa Lucia as a small child as a magical and mysterious time.  All the children would participate in a peaceful and beautiful procession dressed in long white robes each carrying a candle.  

Santa Lucia was represented by the oldest girl who wore a red sash and a wreath of candles in her hair. 

​Elsa Beskow is one of my favorite authors and illustrators.  Her illustration below gives the sense of the tradition.

​The lovely song that we sing is so beautiful - both the haunting melody and the poetic lyrics, here in English:
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Night walks with a heavy step
Round yard and hearth,
As the sun departs from earth,
Shadows are brooding.
There in our dark house,
Walking with lit candles,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Night walks grand, yet silent,
Now hear its gentle wings,
In every room so hushed,
Whispering like wings.
Look, at our threshold stands,
White-clad with light in her hair,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Darkness shall take flight soon,
From earth's valleys.
So she speaks 
Wonderful words to us:
A new day will rise again
From the rosy sky…
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia by Elsa Beskow. "God Jul" means Happy Christmas.

​Celebrating with swedish treats

I've got 3 of the most traditional treats with links to recipes for you here. 

​These are always a must-have in my home and I have guests from many years past who fondly ask about these goodies each time they come to visit.

Santa Lucia treats. Image by visitsweden.com.

Lussekatter (Saffron Rolls)
These are traditionally made into an "s" shape with a currant or raisin on each end.  These are yeast rolls and only slightly sweet.

Pepparkakor (Gingerbread Cookies)
These are always rolled out as thin as you possibly can make them, and served plain without any decorations or icing.  They are very spicy and crispy.

Glögg (Mulled Hot Wine)
There are so many variations on this one, and I have an old recipe I use but I was able to find a pretty close and accurate YouTube video that also has the recipe and directions in the description.  The only exception is that when you flame the pot, you should let it burn for quite a while so that it caramelizes the sugars.  I actually use sugar cubes and slowly ladle out the flaming liquid (with a steel scoop) and pour that over the sugar cubes (in a steel sieve) slowly.  Repeat this step until the sugar cubes have all melted.  But the version in this video will get you close.

Hint:  Never ever buy the premade bottles you see in stores.  It is NOT the same.
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​want some more nordic lifestyle inspo?

So much of this Santa Lucia tradition is all about "Hygge" and other ideas that come from Sweden and relate to simple living concepts.  Find more inspiration here:

Nordic Lifestyle

Thank you so much for following along.  I'm glad that you stopped by and I hope you get a chance to plan a special celebration for winter solstice, whether it's on the 13th, the 21st, or any other day soon.  Let me know what you think!

Peace & contentement,
~Miriam