Stockholm: Every year on December 13, Sweden comes alive with candlelight, music and pageantry as the country marks St. Lucy’s Day, a deeply cherished tradition that honours an Italian saint whose story has become woven into Swedish cultural life. Known locally as Lucia Day, the celebration is especially popular among children and families, featuring colourful costumes, graceful processions and traditional seasonal treats.
St. Lucy, commemorated by the Catholic Church on December 13, was a virgin martyr from Syracuse in Sicily, born in the year 283. Her name, derived from the Latin word for “light,” reflects her life of faith and charity. According to Christian tradition, Lucy dedicated herself to God and used her wealth to help the poor during a time of persecution under Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Legend recounts that Lucy secretly brought food and aid to persecuted Christians hiding in underground catacombs. To keep her hands free while navigating the darkness, she is said to have worn a wreath of candles on her head to illuminate her path. This powerful image of light overcoming darkness became the foundation of Sweden’s iconic Lucia celebrations.
On St. Lucy’s Day, candle-lit processions known as “Luciatåg” are held across the country. Girls dress in flowing white gowns tied with red sashes, symbolising purity and martyrdom. At the head of the procession is a chosen girl portraying Lucia, wearing a crown adorned with glowing candles. She is followed by attendants holding candles, star boys wearing tall paper hats and carrying star-topped staffs, and other figures such as gingerbread characters carrying lanterns.
In the past, Sweden selected its Lucia through a nationally televised competition. Today, the role is usually assigned by schools, parishes or community groups, often by a simple draw. Lucia processions are held in a wide range of settings churches, schools, offices, municipal buildings, nursing homes and even restaurants making the celebration a shared national experience.
No Lucia celebration is complete without traditional food. Special saffron buns known as “lussekatter,” shaped in distinctive S-forms, are served alongside gingerbread cookies. The Lucia figure traditionally carries a tray of these treats, offering them to onlookers as part of the ritual of hospitality and warmth.
Music plays a central role in the observance, with participants singing “Sankta Lucia,” the Swedish version of the famous Neapolitan song “Santa Lucia.” The lyrics evoke Sweden’s long, cold winter nights and celebrate the arrival of light and hope brought by the saint.
The date itself holds historical significance in Sweden. Before calendar reforms, December 13 fell on the shortest day of the year under the Julian calendar, making it the longest and darkest night. Folklore described “Lucia Night” as a time when evil spirits roamed freely, prompting people to stay alert, eat heavily and ensure animals were well fed.
In rural Sweden, early Lucia customs involved people dressing up and moving from house to house singing and seeking food. As society became more urbanised, these practices faded, giving way to the more refined and symbolic white-clad Lucia figure. The first documented appearance of this form dates back to 1764, and by the early 20th century, the tradition had evolved into a nationwide celebration.
Today, Sweden’s observance of St. Lucy stands as a unique blend of Christian heritage, folklore and cultural identity, transforming the story of an Italian martyr into a powerful symbol of light, compassion and hope during the darkest time of the year.