Lucia, a very Swedish Christmas tradition that we have even in this area of Finland. These were riding horses. In this picture they are singing Lucia songs and traditional Christmas hymns.
@tanjaostman so amazing that the Lucia girl STILL has candles I her hair EVEN on a horse. Now that is a talent!
@tanjaostman ALL the Lucia concerts I've ever seen have been with real candles
@sinbach @tanjaostman what?!? I wouldn't want that part!
@MaryMamuzich @tanjaostman sounds crazy but it's actually extremely beautiful and the story behind it of a woman who ventured into the darkness of the dead of winter to feed persecuted Christians is powerful.
@sinbach @MaryMamuzich @tanjaostman I'd never heard of this. Now I need to look ot up🙂
@sinbach @tanjaostman I just looked it up and read she was killed for her faith... Is that true?
I love this, I'll have to read more on it.
@MaryMamuzich @sinbach yes, she was a martyr. There is a legend about Saint Lucia... I don't know how much of the details are true. This tradition is much more "family friendly" than the story. The Lucia day is on Dec 13th. Sometimes they have contests to choose the Lucia of the city / school etc. Therefore it's been criticized by some people, because they think it's a beauty contest. But they don't show much skin, and they are chosen not only for their looks but even how good they sing and traditional values. For example Finland's Lucia use to visit hospitals, nursery homes etc. where she sings with here "maidens", reads poems and talks to people. Many see her as a symbol for light and joy, and spreading the message of Christmas.
@tanjaostman @sinbach interesting! I like it!
@sinbach you are right... I think they have real candles in Lucia concerts in churches even here. But there are Lucia's in every school and kindergartens and they have electric lights for safety reasons.
@sinbach @tanjaostman talent? Maybe. Bravery?? Definitely
@bethany @sinbach Here you see a picture of a Lucia crown with candles. They are covered to protect the head from dripping stearine. But I have heard of many incidents with burning hair and clothes. It's not uncommon to burn the person walking before you with the candles that are held in the hands of "tärnor", the girls walking behind Lucia.
@tanjaostman @bethany @sinbach this is so pretty but I wouldn't want to play that part... I have the ability to choke on air and stumble over nothing! 🤣
@MaryMamuzich @bethany @sinbach ... and some stumble over too long dresses. 🤣
@tanjaostman @bethany @sinbach oh no!! See!!! That would be me!
@sinbach They were riding through our village about 1 km. But nowadays most Lucias wear electric lights. I agree it would bee talented to ride with candles. But Finland's official Lucia use to wear a crown with burning candles!