Lucia revisited

Lucia celebrations on 13 December bring a gleam
of light in the winter darkness. When there is hardly
any daylight at all in the northern hemisphere,
Lucia comes with hope of brighter times.
The stately procession with a white-clad Lucia
accompanied by her maids, star boys, and sometimes
elves became common in the 1950s. But the feast of Lucia
goes back much further in history, and it is one of the most
varied traditions in Sweden. The celebrations can be
traced back to several periods, places, and religions, and
over the years it has been both simple and sumptuous,
humorous and serious, innocent and indecent, sacred and
profane, popular and aristocratic, private and public.
Lucia provokes debate when many people claim to know
how it should be celebrated, who should take part, and in
what roles. This book spreads new light on a familiar
tradition and invites further discussion.
LENA KÄTTSTRÖM HÖÖK is an ethnologist and
curator at the Nordic Museum, with responsibility
for traditions and special occasions.