Saint Lucy´s day
We celebrate Lucy’s day here in Finland on 13th December. Lucia is chosen by public voting and the money what voting brings goes for charity. Lucy maid crowned in Helsinki's cathedral and after crowning she performs with elfs. Then Lucy maid start lead the parade whats goes around in Helsinki. She joins all kinds of events after that. Usually some schools choose Lucy made and arrange Saint Lucy parades.
Lucy lead the procession, and she has white robe, red belt, crown that has candles and she holds a candle in her hands. The other ones have white robe too, and they are holding candles. The procession sings a song called ‘’ Santa Lucia’’.
The idea is that, Lucy gives light to the darkness.
In medieval calendar winter solstice was Lucy´s day, so thats why Lucy´s day is lights party. Lucy´s day is the year’s longest night.
Lucy´s legend is from Italy. Sweden was the first country from Nordic countries , who celebrate Lucy’s day. Now Denmark , Malta, Norway and Italy is celebrating it little bit too. In 1898 in Porvoo, at school they taught to kids what is Saint Lucy’s day.
Hark! through the darksome night
Sounds come a winging:
Lo! ‘tis the Queen of Light
Joyfully singing.
Clad in her garment white,
Wearing her crown of light,
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!
Deep in the northern sky
Bright stars are beaming;
Christmas is drawing nigh
Candles are gleaming.
Welcome thou vision rare,
Lights glowing in thy hair.
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!
Song lyrics: http://www.scandinavius.com/sweden/sesongs.html#anchor1094784
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