This Friday, December 13, students will celebrate the festival of Saint Lucia. This Scandinavian festival of lights brightens the dark days of midwinter and celebrates the life of Saint Lucia, an Italian saint known for her kindness and love. Saint Lucy or Lucia, whose name comes from the Latin word “lux” meaning light, links this celebration with the days growing longer after the Winter solstice.
In our celebration, the 8th grade students all dress in white. The oldest 8th grade girl dresses as St. Lucia and wears a crown of greens and candles. The 8th grade students are joined by our 2nd grade students in a procession, visiting each class from the pre-kindergarten through 7th grade, singing Lucia songs and delivering cookies– a traditional St. Lucia day treat. (Find a recipe for Swedish saffron buns here!) For the children, seeing the 8th grade students clothed in white and singing like angels in a procession behind Lucia is a breath-taking and beautiful sight. The 2nd grade especially enjoys the experience, as the St. Lucia story is one they have heard as part of the 2nd grade saints and fables curriculum.