gisela
Super Moderator
continuing December 13th
Here is the background of Saint Lucia (Lucy)
Saint Lucy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This catholic saint celebration has been mixed in with other traditions. In the middle-ages the 13th was the longest night because of a flaw in the old calendar. Superstition and misunderstandings brought a "work-stop" on Lucia day. All work had to stand still as otherwise the "Lusse-man" would make trouble at the mill or in the barn or whatever. Lucia was confused with Lucifer and people were a bit scared and stayed indoors.
Although.... apparently they also partied like one could only do in the old days. Because the lent(?)(fast?) began Lucia day, eating had to be at an absolute maximum during the night, and this was the longest night, so plenty of time to stuff yourself. Whole pigs were eaten and lots of dancing, crossdressing(!) sometimes with masks, and going in gangs from house to house preferrably acting ridiculous :lol: Briinging a cow around dressed up and with candles somehow attached to the head was also "fun"
Sorry for the confusing and non existing timeline. I think we've moved into the 1800's now.
Someone thought these customs were too unrefined and sometime during 1700-1800 a possibly german tradition of angelic-like girls giving out presents got blended into it. This mix slowly spread throughout the country and became the event it is today.
Choosing the Lucia is always a controversial happening and many argue that the "beauty and popularity" contest is not inline with a modern equal society.
Anyway, this tradition is not going away anytime soon.
These are the buns we eat. They are sooo yummy
Saffron bun - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
How to make Lussekatter - a story about lussekatter, lucia, santa lucia, lussebulle, lussebullar on CommunityOfSweden.com
I hope you enjoyed a look into the scandinavian customs for a day.
Gisela
Here is the background of Saint Lucia (Lucy)
Saint Lucy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This catholic saint celebration has been mixed in with other traditions. In the middle-ages the 13th was the longest night because of a flaw in the old calendar. Superstition and misunderstandings brought a "work-stop" on Lucia day. All work had to stand still as otherwise the "Lusse-man" would make trouble at the mill or in the barn or whatever. Lucia was confused with Lucifer and people were a bit scared and stayed indoors.
Although.... apparently they also partied like one could only do in the old days. Because the lent(?)(fast?) began Lucia day, eating had to be at an absolute maximum during the night, and this was the longest night, so plenty of time to stuff yourself. Whole pigs were eaten and lots of dancing, crossdressing(!) sometimes with masks, and going in gangs from house to house preferrably acting ridiculous :lol: Briinging a cow around dressed up and with candles somehow attached to the head was also "fun"
Sorry for the confusing and non existing timeline. I think we've moved into the 1800's now.
Someone thought these customs were too unrefined and sometime during 1700-1800 a possibly german tradition of angelic-like girls giving out presents got blended into it. This mix slowly spread throughout the country and became the event it is today.
Choosing the Lucia is always a controversial happening and many argue that the "beauty and popularity" contest is not inline with a modern equal society.
Anyway, this tradition is not going away anytime soon.
These are the buns we eat. They are sooo yummy
Saffron bun - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
How to make Lussekatter - a story about lussekatter, lucia, santa lucia, lussebulle, lussebullar on CommunityOfSweden.com
I hope you enjoyed a look into the scandinavian customs for a day.
Gisela