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Sankta Lucia

One of the most touching traditions in Sweden is Sankta Lucia that occurs the 13th December. The tradition is deep rooted in most Swedes, I think. One reason is probably that all of us have participated in the celebration since we hardly could walk.

The tradition is that a girl portraying Lucia walks with candles attached to her head ahead of a procession of other girls holding candles. Boys can choose to appear as a “Star boys” in long white shirts and a pointed cap and carrying a star in a stick Other member in the procession could be goblins dressed in red or gingerbread man, dressed in brown.

The procession sings Lucia and Christmas songs entering a dark room. It is Natten går tunga fjat (The Night walks in heavy footsteps) or Sankta Lucia, ljusklara hagring (Saint Lucy, Bright Illusion).

Most cities in Sweden appoint Lucies every year, schools elect a Lucia and her maids among the students, and a national Lucia is appointed through an election, first in newspapers and then on national television. High school students often celebrate by partying the night before.
You can listen to the Lucia song following: http://www.mille-soeren.dk/09_Jul/09_santa_lucia/side09_en.htm

/I thought the singer was Anita Lindblom, but then I realized it is probably Thomas de Leva. He is a Swedish famous artist and pop singer!