Lucia Dagen
December 9, 2007

Lucia, a 4th century Sicilian maiden, was a practicing Christian betrothed to a non-Christian. Tradition tells us she used her dowry to feed the poor in gratitude for the restoration of her Mother's health. Her betrothed was furious and denounced her to the authorities as a witch. She was found guilty, tortured and burned at the stake December 13, 304. A.D.

Her story was carried north to Sweden by priests. She touched Swedish hearts particularly in Värmland, Småland and Skåne.

The traditional celebration in Swedish families has the oldest daughter, dressed in white (to signify the betrothed virgin) with a red sash (for martyrdom) and a crown of 5 or 7 white candles, bringing coffee and buns (luciakatta) to sleepy household members early in the morning of December 13. She may be accompanied by star boys. She and the boys signify bringing the Light of Christ to a dark world. Her name, Lucia, also relates to the latin word "Lux" for light. This day marks the beginning of Jul celebrating in Sweden.

The traditional Swedish decorations

• Straw: readily available on farms and easily formed into stars, hearts, angels and other Christmas story symbols. It also reminds us that the Christ Child lay in a straw bed.
• Julgranskorg: heart shaped woven paper baskets made by all household members to be filled with candy or cookies for Jul guests.
• Julkranskaramel: paper wrapped tubes filled with candy to decorate the tree and share with Jul guests.
• Julboken: straw goats dating from Medieval times when the University students presented morality plays at Christmas time in the town square. The goat, with his horns, represented the devil. Times changed and now the goat guards the gifts under the Christmas tree. It is also rumored that Tomtes like to ride them.
• Tomte: the silent, rarely seen, "do-gooders" on every farm were immortalized by Viktor Rydberg's poem "The Tomte." To insure the continued presence on your farm of the Tomten, a bowl of rice pudding was set out on Christmas Eve. If consumed, the tomten would stay for another year; if not, he had left! The next year would be terrible. The Tomte, having keys to all buildings, is a helper of Santa.

Table Prayer
I Jesu namm till bord vi gå
Välsigna Gud den mat vi får.

Dig till ära, oss till gagn
So gar vi fram I Jesu namm. Amen.

God Jul och Gott Nytt År
Our wish for you and your family is a day filled with memories and good wishes and that each day that follows be filled with light, truth, friendship, joy, service and thanksgiving. Gammelgården Board and Staff

Swedish Prayer Service
Rev. Alex Treitler
Kate Sterner, Fiddle
Martha Sterner, Citra

Svenskarnasdag Girls Choir, Diane Noble, Director

Scandia Lucia, Abbey Streohing

Tack Sä Mycket
Gammelgården Volunteers and Staff
Scandia Town Board and Administrator, Ann Hurlburt
Sentence to Service crew
Dan Sandager
Charlie Jahn