The story of Lucia begins in Scandinavia, with Sweden amidst a terrible famine. In the darkness and misery of that winter, Lucia, shining with light, was said to have steered a ship filled with food across the waters of Lake Vänern to shore in the province of Värmland. Thus, the people of Sweden were saved from starvation. The symbolism of Lucia, whose name means light, carried generations of Swedes though the darkest night of winter renewing hope for the return of the sun and warmer days to come.
Lucia wears a white gown representing purity with a red sash (a symbol of her martyrdom) and a crown of lingonberry branches with seven lit candles, the greenery representing new life and the candles lighting her way on the darkest night of the year.
Celebrations of Swedish heritage have been handed down for nearly one hundred years. The eldest daughter in the family would bring a tray of coffee and Swedish goodies around to her still sleeping family, dressed in her white robes with a white sash and a crown of lit candles upon her head, a depiction of the original Saint Lucia, credited with saving Sweden from famine centuries ago.
The Lindsborg Saint Lucia Festival is a beautiful and important celebration during the holiday season. Lindsborg’s traditional festival will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13. The Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers will host the festival event by providing Swedish folk dancing performances downtown and on the Bethany Lutheran Church lawn. A church service honoring Saint Lucia will also take place there at 3:00pm. There will be many other activities going on throughout the downtown area as well.
Katelyn Reeves was drawn from the eligible senior girls to serve as the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers’ Saint Lucia. Reeves and Star Boy Judah Cooper, as well as other senior members, will be downtown serving refreshments throughout the day. The organization will also be hosting a Swedish bake sale in the Courtyard Gallery from 10:00am-2:00pm with all proceeds being donated, in the true Saint Lucia custom of giving to others.
Click here for a link to the festival schedule.
Join Lindsborg for one of the most beautiful of holiday traditions.