The Swedes generally claim it as their own, as they do delicious meatballs, thin pancakes, and scandoulous kings; but Norway does Lucia day pretty well too.
Lussekatter (which I used to have a recipe for on the old site- m.u.s.t re-post!) are big on the 13th and barnehages, like the one I work at, take dressing up and singing the Lucia song serious. Traditionally, the oldest kids in barnehage put on a freshly ironed white robe, glittery crowns (for the girls), tall, pointy blue hats (for the boys), and carry a candle while they sing. One special girl is picked to be Lucia, and leads the procession with a crown of candles (aka: battery-powered lights). This year, Agate was the lucky one.
We spent the morning walking the halls of various wards at the local hospital, singing to cancer patients, sick children, and new mothers with their infants. The entire experience had a very unexpected impact on me. I was hit with a mixture of pride, sentimintality, and pure joy. Only four more years before Lasse can put on his robe and one of those pointy blue hats. I can't wait!
Looks like they were on their best behavior. Fun outing for you all!
Posted by: Mormor | December 13, 2011 at 09:55 PM
Is the barnehage you work at a private school, or supported/ run by the government? The kids look soo happy.
Also, the butter shortage in Norway has made the NY Times and National Public Radio. !!!
Posted by: Bob | December 15, 2011 at 02:48 AM
How sweet do they all look dressed up. I love getting a sneak peek at traditions in other countries. Here in Australia, we don't really have any of our own, or snow at Christmas time for that matter!
Posted by: embracingitall | December 15, 2011 at 03:00 AM
We had a boy Santa Lucia at our barnehage this year! ;)
Posted by: Emily | December 20, 2011 at 11:23 AM