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Legends of Lucia Lucia’s legends have been recorded in history as early as the year 300. The legend from Syracuse, Sicily tells of a young maiden who was to be married to a wealthy nobleman. She continued to do charitable work for the poor and the nobleman had her taken captive by the Roman authorities. Her eyes were gouged out and she was burned at the stake. Miraculously the young maiden escaped both of the punishments. They finally killed her with a poison sword. She became known to Christians as a saint for having worked with the poor and for giving her life to help them. In Nordic stories Lucia is similar to the goddess Freja. She came wearing a robe of white and symbolized light and good luck. Numerous accounts of Lucia all express her kindness to the poor and needy and her great generosity to the people around her. She is identified in each story as Saint Lucia, a legend in the lives of early Christians. The earliest Lucia celebration is recorded in 1655 at Trivialskolan, a school in Stockholm, Sweden. Lucia was portrayed as a symbol of “Light.” Her name was associated with the Latin term “lux,” meaning light. She has traditionally worn a crown of lingonberry leaves and seven lighted candles. Her radiant light was welcomed on December 13, the longest night of the year. Saint Lucia celebrations sealed the good luck and prosperity offered for the next year. The celebration generated the beginning of a season of special sharing and good will. To the Christians it was a return of the Christmas holiday and the birth of Christ, “the Light of the world.” Individual Swedish homes had a Saint Lucia on December 13. From the very early times Lucia had been the oldest, unmarried daughter in the home or a similar relative. She wore a white robe, a red sash, and carried a crown of candles on her head. Lucia arose early to prepare “lussekatter,” a small roll shaped like a cat. She served the rolls and coffee to each family member in bed. The “lussekatter” is recorded in one story to be a symbol to ward off the devil and allow good luck in the home. A second legend explains that Lucia traveled with a large yellow cat at her side. The “lussekatter” is therefore, made with a raisin eye and flavored with saffron to create a deep yellow color. After Lucia’s greeting in each Swedish home, numerous other traditional events occur. Stories tell of light from ‘l jus’ or candles to keep good spirits in the home. “Julotta” is celebrated in the churches, the Christmas candle light service. “Stjarngossar,” the star boys, escort Lucia to the celebrations and often help serve the coffee and rolls. “Lussebocken,” a fierce, shaggy, black billy goat, a sign of Lucifer, traveled with groups of young people around the town. He was tied and controlled by the group and was turned into a helper for Saint Nicholas. The billy goat has been replaced by the “Jul Buck,” the straw goat. The traditions continue with bread as a symbol of times when food was scarce. The bread was called “ett gudslan,” “a gift of God, the bread of life.” “Dopp I gryta,” a large kettle of beans, meat, and broth, was shared by the family. In early times it was a feast to celebrate the end of the winter fast and the return of light. Saint Lucia in Sweden began the season of the return of light. The Lucia in each home opened a rebirth of activity and hope for the beginning of a prosperous year ahead. The tradition involved the home and community in Christian love and celebration.
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