Every year, on December 13th, they appear across Norway. Cute, white-clad children, holding candles (and sometimes wearing them on crowns on their heads), singing sweetly and carrying baskets of freshly baked saffron buns, lussekatter. But the story behind this beloved tradition is far darker than it first seems. It involves a young, kind woman killed for her faith and a dangerous, supernatural nature spirit from ancient folklore.
Luciadagen
It’s not typical Norwegian to celebrate saints. However, Saint Lucia Day, or Luciadagen, is celebrated on December 13th every year. But who was Saint Lucia, and why did she end up playing such an important role in Norway and the Nordic countries?
According to the Christian legend, Saint Lucia lived on Sicily, Italy, in the early 4th century during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian. He was known for his persecution of Christians. Born into a noble family, Lucia pledged her life to God – and was murdered because of it.
The stories about Lucia of Syracuse vary, that has to be said. What is likely, though, is that she suffered martyrdom around the year 300.
One version of the story recounts how she persuaded her mother to give her entire dowry to the poor. This did not sit well with her pagan fiancé, who accused her of defying the emperor’s laws. (Who needs enemies with a boyfriend like that…) She died steadfast in her faith, holding a burning lamp in her hand. This is how she came to be known as Lucia, derived from the Latin lucius, meaning "light" or "shining."
Another version tells of how she prayed to God for her deathly ill mother, who was miraculously healed. Once again, Lucia wished to donate her dowry to the poor, sharing the story of her mother’s miraculous recovery. However, the local authorities, really, really disliked Christianity. They ordered her execution for spreading her faith. According to this account, they had to attempt multiple methods to kill her, all in vain. It is said that she was even placed on a pyre, but the flames refused to touch her.
Artistic depictions often feature her with a crown of candles or light, symbolizing her role as a beacon in dark times.
This all seems very… European. But Nordic? Well, let’s get to the Norwegian Lusse. To say that she was far from a saint is an understatement.
The Nordic Lussi – Scary and Evil
Before Saint Lucia Day gained its Christian association, December 13th was Lussinatt, rooted in the old Norse tradition. This date, once considered the longest night of the year in the Julian calendar, was soaked in superstition.
Across the Nordic region, the true Christmas season began with Lussinatt. Christmas was considered the most dangerous time of the year for both humans and animals, and Lussinatt marked the opening of the winter period filled with mean spirits, trolls and other supernatural (and often angry) beings. It was said to be the only night of the year when animals could speak to one another.
Many unsettling beliefs were associated with this time, and Lussi, a terrifying, supernatural female being, struck fear into both children and adults alike.
On Lussinatt, Lussi would appear to inspect preparations for the Christmas celebrations. All major tasks, such as threshing and spinning, had to be completed, and baking and brewing should be well underway. Lussi would ensure the holiday food was being made on time, tasting the beer and other preparations to confirm everything was in order. If the poor norsemen and -women were behind schedule, Lussi’s wrath was swift and severe. She might tear down the top of the chimney or smash everything in her path. Simply put, Lussi was a merciless handful.
The duality of Lussi and Lucia is quite the fusion of old Norse and Christian traditions. While Lussi symbolizes fear and chaos, Lucia embodies purity and divine light. And the latter story “won” – a conclusion easy to draw when we see the parades of sweet, singing kids in white.
Lucia Processions
In Norway, schools and kindergartens often mark Luciadagen with processions. Children dress in white robes, singing the Lucia song, "Santa Lucia." A chosen "Lucia" leads the group, adorned with a candlelit crown (not real candles anymore, though!), while her companions, known as star boys (stjernegutter) and maidens (terner), carry candles and wear glittering head wreaths.
It’s a sweet sight, and today the luminous parade symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness during the winter months.
Lussekatter - Yellow Must-Haves
The celebration is incomplete without lussekatter, saffron-infused buns whose golden color represents sunlight and hope. Actually, saffron is so darn expensive that a lot of people use turmeric instead. The point is, the buns need to be yellow. And of certain shapes. The spiral shapes often found in the various designs of the buns are ancient symbols of the sun and life. Oh, and don’t forget the raisins!
This tasty tradition, borrowed from Sweden (don’t remind Norwegians of that!), is said to have protective roots, with earlier practices involving offering bread to livestock to ward off malevolent spirits on Lussinatt.
The present Norwegian Saint Lucia Day bridges ancient beliefs, Christian martyrdom, and modern festivity. It includes a whole lot of cuteness, lights in the dark, singing and yellow buns.
Finally: There is only one song that works for little Lucias, maidens and star boys – “Santa Lucia”. Originally from Napoli, Italy in 1850, but still going strong every year. This is an English translation by Tamsyn Spackman.
Santa Lucia - English Version
Night comes with heavy steps
through our land, calling.
Sunlight, the earth forgets;
shadows are falling.
However dark the night,
rising with candles bright,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Though long may be the night,
hope, she is bringing,
Hear now, the maid in white,
silently winging,
Hushed wonder in the air,
Lights glowing in her hair,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!"
The darkness soon shall flee
valleys in shadow,
Sunlight I can foresee,
over over the meadows,
The sun will come again!
Rise in the sky to reign!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Happy Saint Lucia Day!
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