The Feast of Santa Lucia
Lucia: derived from the Latin word “lux,” meaning light
I remember walking the quiet streets of Oppdal, Norway in darkness to my daughter's barnehage (nursery school). Once inside, I took my seat in the darkened room, waiting in silence with the other mothers for the Lucia procession to begin. Finally, after what seemed like a long time, we heard the singing...distant but coming closer. Soon our three and four-year-old children were in the room, robed in white, carrying candles and bringing the light to us all.
I remember and honor this Scandinavian tradition by baking Lussekatter, the special buns for the day, every December 13th. During the baking, I enjoy the aroma of cardamom in the house and softly sing the words of "Santa Lucia."
~ Barbara Kourajian