Happy Santa Lucia Day

My grandmother did this when we were little girls my older sister and myself.  We (my older sister and myself) would put on a crown of candles and walk through the house bearing treats.  Now that my grandmother has passed I guess it is time for me to pick of the light again and pass it on to my own children to do.  Above is one of two crowns we wore as children that my grandmother ( Vova had on display in 2009).

In the very early morning a young girl dresses in a flowing white gown and a bright red sash. Her head is adorned with a crown of twigs and lit candles. In Sweden, the young lady would travel on foot from farm to farm. She brought baked goods to each home she visited and her journey was always complete by dawn. 
Every town and village in Sweden has its own Lucia, and of course, it was always quite an honor to be chosen.  The baked goods the Lucia (or Lucia Bride as she is also called) brings with her is Lussekattoror (Saffron buns).
Symbolically, the candles are meant to represent light (good) overcoming dark (evil). Historically Santa Lucia was said to be condemned to death, by fire. The flame did not harm Lucia, sparing her life - though briefly. She was later beheaded.