The Feast of St Lucia, which is celebrated in Sweden on the 13 December, is one of the most popular Swedish Festivals, St Lucia is the saint of light and this celebration on one of the longest and coldest nights of the dark Swedish winter symbolizes the return of light in darkness.
According to tradition, in many homes a young girl wake up early in the morning,puts on a long white dress with a red sash at the waist and crown decorated with candies, and serves her family saffron bune and coffee.The boy in the family wear long white shirts and pointed hats and help to serve the buns and the coffee.Children often go to school dressed in these costumes and serve the buns to their teachers.
Every village and every town in Sweden has its own St.Lucia.However,the most famous one in Sweden is the national Lucia who is who is selected from among thousands of girl in the competition.The winner is announced on TV on St.Lucia’s day and the winner is then driven around town in a horse carriage to spread her light in factories,hospitals,old people’s homes and food stores.