Swedish Lucia Fest Brings Light

It's time to dig out the meatball recipes and dust off your dancing shoes.  The Northfield Swedish Club’s 35th annual Lucia celebration is less than a month away!  Mark your calendars for Friday, Dec. 11.  The potluck dinner and pageant will begin at 6 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield. Area residents of Swedish descent, or those interested in a night of fun, food and music, are invited to attend the celebration, which marks the beginning of the Swedish Christmas season.  It includes a potluck supper, a Lucia processional and pageant, live fiddle music, singing, and folk dancing around the Christmas tree. 

After the meal, the Lucias, each dressed in white with a red sash at her waist and wearing a crown of candles on her head, will lead a procession of attendants and star boys, singing the traditional St. Lucia song. Afterward, they will serve cookies and coffee to everyone. 

Parents who are interested in having their kids involved in the pageant, as Lucia attendants or star boys, should contact Michelle Fredrickson at 612-384-5535.  

Although the original Lucia was Italian, Swedes have adopted her as the saint who brings light at the darkest time of the year. All over Sweden, the oldest daughter in each household wears a crown of candles. She and her siblings fill the house with candlelight and song as they serve their parents coffee and traditional rolls called Lussekatter or Lucia Buns. The buns can be made in all kinds of fancy shapes decorated with raisins.

Everyone, young and old, singles, and families, is invited to attend.  Bring your own tableware, two dishes to pass, and one-and-one-half dozen cookies.