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Santa Lucia Celebration
The story of Lucia tells of a terrible famine in Sweden and people were close to death from starvation when a large white ship appeared across the lake. At the helm was a maiden, dressed in gleaming white, her head encircled by a crown of radiant beams. As the vessel touched shore, great quantities of food and clothing appeared with her for the starving. When asked her name, she simply replied, "Lucia". When all were fed and cared for, the vessel disappeared as quickly as it had come. The legend of Santa Lucia dates back to the year 304 A. D. in Sicily. Lucia was born to a noble Christian family during the days of persecution of Christians. While still very young she promised to dedicate her life to serving to the poor. When betrothed she refused the man and gave all her dowry to the poor. He reported her as Christian and she was to be burned at the stake. Her body did not burn and she became radiant with light as she died. The story of this Christian martyr in Sicily is celebrated in the land of dark long nights of the North in Scandinavia. In Scandinavia, and especially Sweden, the annual celebration on December 13 is especially beautiful. A young woman in each family is selected to represent Santa Lucia. Dressed in a white robe with a crimson sash about her waist she wears a crown of lighted candles adorned with leaves. She awakens the members of the household early singing the hymn, "Santa Lucia" and serves steaming coffee, freshly baked bread and saffron buns at each bedside. The lighting of the candles on the crown of Santa Lucia is a special welcome of light during the darkest time of the year, dispelling darkness and gloom and sending good will, peace and hope to the world. 2008 Lucia – Hanna Katherine Erin Hutchison-Parker Hanna is the daughter of Patricia Hutchison and David Parker, and the niece of Michael and Greta Hutchison. Hanna is a Middle School student and enjoys school, especially Science and History, and plans to pursue Fashion Design in college. She also participates in sports and has been dancing since the age of 3. Hanna has been in the Lucia pageant from a very young age, and has been a part of the children’s Swedish singing group led by her Aunt Greta, who is a member of the Zaida Singers. Our past Lucias (click for pictures) 1989 Anna Johnson
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