Santa Lucia
Hope, Light, Nourishment
Celebrated by 2nd Grade. Shared with all Elementary and Middle School Grades.
In second grade, teachers introduce stories where contrasting human qualities are portrayed. They wonder at tales and legends of Saints from around the world and highlight noble human qualities. Santa Lucia celebrates the life of Saint Lucy and light for the longest night of the year (under the old Gregorian calendar this was the Winter Solstice). Her story dates back to the Middle Ages. She is known for bringing food, nourishment and care to the people of Sweden during a harsh time of famine.
The oldest girl in second grade plays Santa Lucia. She typically wears white, with a red sash and a wreath of candles on her head. She holds a tray with tea. Her crown is made with Lingonberry branches which are evergreen and symbolize the new life in winter. Other girls in the 2nd grade are dressed in white as attendants and the boys are dressed as “star boys” with long black pants, white shirt and a red sash. All the children carry a candle and one or two a basket with saffron, raisin buns.
The children begin a procession in which they sing and visit all other grades and share the buns and tea with all.
Santa Lucia is seen as a symbol of hope and light during the dark of Winter.
Symbolism: Candle crown. Homemade buns and tea. White clothes with red sash.
Verse:
Through silent winter gloom
Thy song comes winging to
Waken the earth anew.
Glad carols bringing.
Come thou O Queen of Night
Wearing thy crown so bright.
Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia.