Saint Lucia Day

Saint Lucia Day is a special holiday held every year on December 13. It is most loved in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. People celebrate with songs, candles, and yummy treats. The holiday honors a brave girl named Lucia from long ago.

How People Celebrate

On Saint Lucia Day, one girl in each family or school is picked to be Lucia. She wears a long white dress with a red sash. On her head she wears a crown made of candles or lights. She walks into a room and brings sweet buns and coffee to her family in the early morning.

Why It Is Special

The holiday happens during the darkest time of the year in the north. The candles stand for light and hope in the winter. Children sing a famous song about Lucia as they walk. Schools and churches all take part in the fun. It helps people feel warm and happy before Christmas.

Fun Facts

• The sweet buns eaten on this day are called lussekatter and have raisins.
• Saint Lucia's name means 'light' in Latin.
• Boys in the parade are called star boys and wear tall white hats.

Did You Know?

Long ago, people used real burning candles on the crown. Today, most Lucias wear safe electric lights instead.