St Lucia day in Sweden

I arrived in Gothenburg just in time for St Lucia Day on December 13. The day is celebrated with processions of young people wearing long white gowns, carrying candles and singing the Santa Lucia song. The procession is led by Lucia who wears a crown of candles (now electric!)

Saint Lucia day commemorates a 4th century saint who brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candle lit wreath on her head. Nowadays saffron buns shaped like curled up cats with raisin eyes (lussekatter) are served on St Lucia Day.

December 13 was also the shortest day of the year according to the historic Julian calendar and many homes now place lights in their windows.