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From Wheat Berry Soup to Saffron Rolls, St. Lucia's Day is Rich in Tradition
Different traditions surround this saint's day, which is celebrated on one of the shortest days of the year.
For Swedes, Dec. 13 starts early with saffron buns, ginger snaps, coffee and glögg (mulled wine), served by candle-crowned girls and boys in pointed hats. For Italians, the day begins with a bowl of cuccia—wheat berries simmered with milk and sugar. It’s St. Lucia's Day, and the traditions that come with it are many. St. Lucia was an early Christian martyr of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily. After her wealthy mother recovered from an illness, Lucia and her mother distributed their riches to the poor in thankfulness, and at night to avoid the Roman cops. Lucia’s non-Christian fiance did not take kindly to this redistribution of her wealth, and he denounced her to the pagan Roman authorities, who tortured her. “Miraculously, when neither …
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Laura L Thornton
9:33 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012
Sounds like a wonderful celebration, Susan! I would be frightened about the real candles, though, too. I'll need to check out one of the pageants or celebrations next year - I'd love to hear the music. Happy St. Lucia's Day! more ›