Illumination of A Saint: the Legend of Sankta Lucia January 6, 2010

Explore the traditions associated with Saint Lucia, from her origins as a fourth-century Christian martyr to the legends of her appearance in Sweden. This annual exhibit also details how the holiday is celebrated today, focusing on family and public Lucia traditions and festivals in both Sweden and America. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 in Sweden, usually early in the morning. Many offices, schools and community groups in Sweden select a young woman to be Lucia. "Lucia" dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wears a crown of candles on her head. She serves coffee, saffron buns and ginger cookies. She is accompanied by female attendants dressed in white with tinsel sashes, and a procession of "star boys." wearing cone-shaped paper hats and carrying star-tipped wands. All join in singing Lucia songs.