My Danish Christmas Advent Calendar – 13 December

Welcome to My Danish Christmas Advent
Calendar! Join me every day in opening a new door. I’ve got
a host of goodies to share with you – traditional Danish Christmas recipes,
traditions, songs, games, decorations, crafts and landscapes… So sit back,
relax and enjoy!

13 DECEMBER

Okay, so there are no prizes for guessing what I’m writing about today…
Santa Lucia! A candlelight, singing procession – just before the sun
comes up or goes down – on St. Lucia
Day, the 13th of December. Lead by the Lucia-brud (‘Lucia bride’)
– she’s the girl with the crown of candles in her hair – her followers wearing
long white robes and bearing candles. A tradition stolen from Denmark’s
neighbours – the Swedes.

Here we are at school this morning. At 8.15am when it was still pitch
black outside…

Santa Lucia with the ‘bride’ at the front

The procession went up and down the corridors. Ground floor, first floor,
second floor. With pupils, staff and parents lined up to watch all the way. At
8.24am (see the clock!) the girls passed through the school library…

Santa Lucia through the school library

…and came up to the third floor of the school. Just as daylight finally
came.

Santa Lucia – top floor

And, yes – the girls carry real, lighted candles. And the staff –
selvfølgelig– take plenty of precautions. One of the
girls got her hair just a bit too close to the flame and her hair singed very
slightly. But the teachers were on hand immediately and nothing worse
happened. All in a day’s work for a Danish teacher! The Lucia girls thought it
was exciting and have a story to tell. And I’m glad to live in a country where
they don’t use fear mongering and ban lighted candles – but instead carry on the
tradition, use their common sense and teach the kids respect for open flames.
Hooray for those crazy Danes!

But, hey, do be careful with those candles out there. And don’t forget to
check back here tomorrow when we open the next door!

Diane