Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Stockholm Christmas Markets
We arrived in Stockholm on Sunday and drove to Drottingholm Castle the residence of the royal family. They were having an outdoor Christmas market complete with pony rides and a Lucia Pagent. There was an abundance of local meats and cheeses to choose from as well as crafts and baked goods. We bought some yummy goat cheese, fun "snowball" candles, and enjoyed some hot glogg. After the fair we went to the Grand Hotel and enjoyed their Christmas table smorgasbord. We were told to properly enjoy it we should take small plates and visit the buffet 6 times. We also enjoyed the tradtional drink of the jul table which is beer and Aquavit. It is something I would never normally think to drink together but it was quite good. The smorgasbord inluded hearring, smoked fishes and meats, cold salads, reindeer, roast beef, mesat balls, Janson's Temptation (a type of scalloped potato with sardines) and lots of great baked goods, candies and cheeses. All of these were enjoyed while looking out over the water and toward the royal castle. It was quite lovely.
The second day we attended Jul markets in down town Stockholm and in the old town. These were not as unique as the one at Drottingholm but were lovely none the less.
The second day we attended Jul markets in down town Stockholm and in the old town. These were not as unique as the one at Drottingholm but were lovely none the less.
Labels: Swedish Antiques
St. Lucia
So far this holiday season I've seen three Lucia Pageants. Each one, no matter the size, is as magical as the next. The sight of the young woman dressed in a white robe with a ring of lit candles on her head is amazing. The voices of her cours (other young women) as they sing "Santa Lucia" is angelic. Their voices sound so pure!
I'm certainly no expert on Santa Lucia but did, finally, hear an explanation for the candles on the head. Lucia was the daughter of a wealthy family in Italy. She wanted to help the poor and would visit the alleys at night, with the candles on her head for light, to give those less fortunate some food or other items. She apparently gave her wedding gifts (dowery) away and was sentenced to death. The red ribbon worn around the white dress represents the sacrafice of her life.
If you have never seen a Lucia pageant you should. Here in the Washington DC area you can see one on the afternoon of December 16th at the ASA (American Scandinavian Assoication) Christmas bazzaar. It is being held at Redeemer Lutheran Chruch in McClean. You can contact Klaradal or ASA for more details.
I'm certainly no expert on Santa Lucia but did, finally, hear an explanation for the candles on the head. Lucia was the daughter of a wealthy family in Italy. She wanted to help the poor and would visit the alleys at night, with the candles on her head for light, to give those less fortunate some food or other items. She apparently gave her wedding gifts (dowery) away and was sentenced to death. The red ribbon worn around the white dress represents the sacrafice of her life.
If you have never seen a Lucia pageant you should. Here in the Washington DC area you can see one on the afternoon of December 16th at the ASA (American Scandinavian Assoication) Christmas bazzaar. It is being held at Redeemer Lutheran Chruch in McClean. You can contact Klaradal or ASA for more details.
Labels: Swedish Antiques
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