Glad Lucia!
Saint Lucia brings light, saffron buns and coffee on December 13th
Today is the Feast of Saint Lucia with greetings of “Glad Lucia!” (Happy Lucia!) heard all around Sweden.
According to legend, Lucia of Siracusa was a 4th Century martyr who carried food to those hiding in the Roman catacombs. With her arms filled, she placed a wreath of candles on her head to guide her through the darkness of the passageways.
A mix of religion and folklore, the story was adopted in Sweden with the figure of Lucia keeping dark spirits at bay and symbolizing the birth of light. It’s an important day in Sweden as well as in Denmark, Norway and Finland and, of course, in Italy — especially Sicily — Lucia’s birthplace.
It is also celebrated in many other countries around the world and marked with Lucia processions.
The beautiful coiled saffron buns called Lussekatter (“Lucy’s Cat”) are at the center of St. Lucia Day traditions and are eaten throughout the December holiday season. I’ve linked to more about the origins of Lussekatter here: Gastro Obscura
Genevieve Jenner, the author of one of my favorite books, Chocolate Cake for Imaginary Lives, is as brilliant a baker as she is writer. She posted her gorgeous Lussekatter this morning, made from a recipe by Scandikitchen.
I’ve linked below to an interview I did with Genevieve last year if you’d like to hear more about her fantastic book.
The painting below from 1908 is by Swedish painter, Carl Larsson, and depicts a traditional Lucia Morning ritual.
The eldest daughter delivers not only coffee and Lussekatter to her family; representing Lucy, she brings light during the darkest days of winter.
Then in our Winter gloom, Candlelight fills the room.
—from the song Sankta Lucia Translation from Swedish: Anne-Charlotte Harvey
Last Sunday,
wrote a terrific piece with wonderful illustrations, recipes and photos on the Sicilian celebrations of Santa Lucia during her discussion with Victoria Granof, author of the beautiful new book Sicily, My Sweet. Here’s the link:
Day 13 of “The Little Town” Advent Calendar — a globe.
Today we get our first glimpse of an illustration of the inside of Richard Sellmer’s publishing house.
See you tomorrow and Glad Lucia! 🕯️
Jolene
My little boy and his pre-school classmates sang lucia songs at an old folks home today. It was really rather lovely. Thanks for this post.
The saffron buns you made are beautiful, and I'm wondering about the china you used for serving coffee. Are they treasures you have found a long the way or passed down from family? Glad Lucia! 🎄