Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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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