The Swedish Church in Melbourne has celebrated St Lucia’s Day for many years at their Toorak Church. This year, they are bringing the traditional Scandinavian celebrations to Toorak Uniting Church.
St Lucia’s Day is celebrated on the 13 December. The feast originally coincided with the Nordic winter solstice, and centred around the struggle between light and darkness. Dating back as far as the middle ages, today’s festival incorporates many age-old traditions.
Young girls dress as St Lucia in white ‘Lucy’ robes and carry specially prepared rolls and cookies. Candles symbolise the light in the darkness while also signifying the start of the Christmas season.
Jennifer Chou has been busy organising the event for Toorak Uniting Church.
“Celebrations will begin at eight o’clock in the evening when the church is lit by candlelight,” Ms Chou said. “The story of St Lucia will be told in English and, for the first time in Melbourne, traditional songs will be sung in English.
“We are really excited to bring this traditional celebration to people, and the performance will be followed by delicious Swedish Christmas food.”
The concert is directed by Camilla Hellgren. Originally from Malmö, Sweden, Ms Hellgren is the organist and choir director of the Swedish Church in Melbourne.
For more information phone Jennifer Chou: 0410 844 552
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