As many of you know, the organization we work with in Marghita was founded by Swedes and the majority of the missionaries are Swedish. During Christams time, one special tradition they have is the caroling of Santa Lucia. Yet this tradition is not only for the Swedes on the team. Everyone must partake. I can barely hold a tune in English, so you can only imagine what my singing is like in Swedish.
The caroling is to commemorate Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). It is usually celebrated on December 13th, although we did not do it on that day here. St. Lucia is an Italian saint who has been "adopted" by the Swedes. She gave her dowry to the poor. Her fiancee denounced her for this. She was blinded and burned. The flames didn't touch her so she was stabbed in the heart. She is associated with the idea of light. It is said that she appeared during a famine in Sweden in the middle ages carrying food to the farmers across Lake Vännern. During Santa Lucia all the girls dress up in white robes with gold sashes around their waist and hair and go around caroling while holding candles to represent Santa Lucia. The boys also dress up as "star boys," wearing white robes with a cone-shaped hat decorated with stars and also carrying a star wand. We then all walk around caroling in all three languages (Swedish, English, and Romanian). It is quite a sight to see and hear. What an experience!
St. Lucia with Star Boys
Singing Swedish, English, and Romanian Christmas Carols
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