13 December is a special day in Sweden. On this day Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated (Sankta Lucia) and is accompanied by specific celebrations.
Saint Lucy’s Day concert
But who was Saint Lucy? Lucy was born in the third century in Syracuse, Sicily and was a Christian from the Roman family who vowed to purity. At that time, Christians were persecuted by the Romans. The rejected admirer informed the authorities that Lucy was a Christian and, as a punishment, they wanted to send her to a public house. In order to disfigure herself, according to one version, Lucy picked her eyes out. She was killed by the sword, or she was either cut or stabbed, the versions also differ. The fate of Lucy’s body is not well known, it was certainly sent to Istanbul, and then it was sent to Venice and in Venice it can still be admired today in the church of San Geremia.
Saint Lucy
Saint Lucy’s body in the church of San Geremia in Venice
And how is Saint Lucy related to Sweden? It is a big event in this country. In churches, kindergartens, schools there are concerts or so-called processions of Saint Lucy. The procession passes through the church, then sets up at the altar, with Lucy in the front and the choir concert begins. Lucy is dressed in a white robe, symbolizing purity, with a red belt that symbolizes martyrdom. There is a wreath on the head with candles. And candles are there because many people believed and still believe that from December 13, days begin to lengthen, despite the fact that the winter solstice takes place on December 21-22. So Lucy brings light. Believe me, winter in Sweden is dark and every sparkle is needed 😉 Hopefully there are not too many of these sparks, of course, because again our fire fighters will have to come 😀
The concert is also broadcasted at 7 am on TV (most often it is filmed earlier) and this year a concert from the Gothenburg cathedral was shown. A lot of people are eating breakfast while watching a concert on TV. So did we with my Matilda.
Saint Lucy’s concert on TV
And what can not be missed in Sweden on 13 December? Of course, the saffron buns (you can see them in the picture above). They are on sale from the beginning of Advent, but on the 13th, everyone must eat them. Often people bake them at home. In addition to saffron buns (lussebullar, lussekatter), people often consume gl̦gg Рmulled wine. Of course, if someone drinks gl̦gg in the morning, it is probably a non-alcoholic version. Gl̦gg in Sweden is drunk in small glasses, with raisins and almonds. You can not drink a lot because it is very sweet.
Although the stars and Advent lights have been displayed in windows for some time now, Christmas preparations are starting to get serious from today. So it’s time to do some cleaning…
Polish traces around the world 
You forgot to mention the reason for the candles on Lucia’s head.
According to tradition, Lucia was from a rich family but wanted to help the poor. She went out in secret at night with food for the poor people so her hands were full and so she needed the candles to light her way. Yes, very dark in Sweden, and no street lights in those days.
I found an information about her carrying candles on her head so she could use both hands to carry food for Christians hiding in catacombs, in Rome. But Lucia died in Syracuse… As she died 1700 years ago, it’s hard to say what is true and what’s just a legend. But I do like this tradition. And the saffron buns 😉