Santa Lucia

RectaRatioBlog notes that Sunday celebrated the feast of St. Lucy, the patroness of the blind. In Catholic churches, the saints and statues all have a "hint" to tell you who they are. Well, since St Lucy had her eyes put out before she was martyred, she usually carries a tray with eyeballs on it so you know it's her, not St. Agnes (who usually carries a lamb).

The legend is that prior to being martyred she wore candles on her head so she could carry more supplies when she traveled through the dungeons to bring bread to those imprisoned for their faith. So the Swedish custom is for a girl to do the same. Often there are processions of girls, one with the crown, and others with a single candle..




On St. Lucy's Day each year by tradition one of the daughters of the family is chosen to be St. Lucy. She gets up early and takes coffee and 'Lucia' buns (Saffronsbrod) to the rest of the family who are still in bed. She dresses in a white robe with a scarlet sash and wears on her head a crown of green leaves with five candles in it.


The traditional bun is a Lussekat, (St. Lucy's Cat) or Saffron bun.
Rectaratio has the recipe HERE.