December 13...Santa Lucia Day

Santa Lucia Day 

is considered primarily a 

Scandinavian holiday

that starts on December 13,

what ancient Scandinavians considered

the longest day of the year according to

an ancient calendar.

It is often referred to as the 

Festival of Lights.

Although it is said to have Roman origins.

It is also celebrated in different forms across Europe.

It is primarily known as a

Scandinavian holiday, though.

I have always paid attention to it as it falls on my birthday,

and starts the 12 days of Christmas!

Who is she?

Saint Lucy was working to help Christians hiding in the catacombs during the terror under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and in order to bring with her as many supplies as possible, she needed to have both hands free.  She solved

the problem by wearing a crown of candles so she could carry

more supplies.

The tradition is that she carries buns and hot chocolate

and delivers them to neighbors.

There is another tradition that

the eldest daughter wears the crown of candles, wearing white with a red sash, and delivering cinnamon buns and hot chocolate

to her parents while they are still in bed on the morning of 

December 13.

Little boys and other children celebrate too by 

wearing pointy hats and carrying stars.

They also sing the Santa Lucia song....

which has Italian origins!

It is a very sweet, Christian holiday.

And basically very adorable....

So 

Happy Santa Lucia Day!!!

Let's go eat some 

buns and hot chocolate!!!

Have a 

Lovely

and 

Tasty

Lucia Day,

my little

cinnamon

buns

(with raisins....)

Sending love and joy your way.

xoox

~d