St. Lucia Day, also called Saint Lucy's Day, is celebrated on December 13 each year. In Sweden, Norway and Finland, and in Scandinavian American communities, it's a festival of light in the darkest part of winter. A girl dressed in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles leads a procession, singing traditional songs and serving saffron buns and coffee. The day honors Saint Lucy, an early Christian martyr whose name means light.
History of St. Lucia Day
Saint Lucy, or Lucia, was a young Christian woman from Syracuse, in Sicily, who was martyred around the year 304 during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, she brought food to Christians hiding in the catacombs, wearing candles on her head to light the way and keep her hands free.
Her feast spread across Europe. In Scandinavia, December 13 had special meaning because under the old Julian calendar it fell near the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Folk traditions about the dark night blended with the story of Lucia, the bringer of light.
The modern Swedish celebration took shape in the 1700s and 1800s in western Sweden, and in 1927 a Stockholm newspaper organized the first public Lucia procession. The custom spread across the country and to Scandinavian communities abroad. Today, schools, churches and towns choose Lucias, and families make lussekatter, S-shaped saffron buns.
Why St. Lucia Day Matters
St. Lucia Day brings light, music and warmth to the darkest time of year in northern countries, symbolizing hope.
It is an important cultural tradition for Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish families, including many Scandinavian Americans in states such as Minnesota and Washington.
The celebration also emphasizes kindness and service, as Lucia brings food and light to others.
How to Celebrate St. Lucia Day
- Bake lussekatter: make saffron buns shaped like an S with raisins.
- Hold a procession: wear white and carry (battery) candles.
- Listen to Lucia songs: enjoy traditional Swedish carols.
- Visit a Scandinavian church or museum: many host Lucia events.
- Share light: bring breakfast to someone early in the morning.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, bring saffron buns or gingersnaps for a morning coffee break and share the Lucia story. In classrooms, students can learn about Scandinavian winter traditions, make paper candle crowns, or compare festivals of light around the world, such as Diwali and Hanukkah. At home, families can bake lussekatter, have the oldest daughter (or any child) serve breakfast in a white gown, and sing songs. Use battery-operated candles for crowns, never real flames.
Fun Facts About St. Lucia Day
- Saint Lucy was martyred around 304 in Syracuse, Sicily.
- The first public Lucia procession in Stockholm was held in 1927.
- Lussekatter are S-shaped saffron buns.
St. Lucia Day FAQs
When is St. Lucia Day?
St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13 each year.
Who was Saint Lucy?
Saint Lucy was a Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily, who died around the year 304.
Why does Lucia wear a crown of candles?
The candles symbolize light; legend says Lucy wore candles to light her way while bringing food to Christians in hiding.
What are lussekatter?
Lussekatter are S-shaped saffron buns traditionally eaten on St. Lucia Day.
Which countries celebrate St. Lucia Day?
Sweden, Norway, Finland and Scandinavian communities around the world, as well as parts of Italy.
Why is St. Lucia Day on December 13?
It is Saint Lucy's feast day and once fell near the winter solstice under the Julian calendar.