Janne presents Swedish traditions: 13 December Lucia

Hello.

Today I would like to tell you all about a special Swedish tradition. It is called Lucia and is celebrated on the 13 of December each year. Originally this was a day to remember a saint called Lucia who lived in Sicily in Italy a very, very long time ago. Some people did bad things to her so the catholic pope decided to make her a saint.

Today in Sweden, we don't think about that too much. For us it is more a day to dress up small children in white gowns and make them carry electric candles and sing traditional Lucia and christmas songs. Afterwards we all eat "lussebullar" which is buns with saffron, gingerbread cookies and drink something warm.

Here you can see me in a traditional stjärngosse outfit. A stjärngosse means star boy in english. In a traditional Lucia parade you will also find gnomes and gingerbread men. It is all very strange and confused, but we really don't care since it is all a lot of fun and something to do while we wait for Santa Claus to bring us the presents at christmas.

Below you can see a very traditional Lucia parade with young women dressed in white carrying candles. They usually go to various places like retirement homes, hospitals and such and sing. Very nice.