Santa Lucia Pageant

Celebration of Santa Lucia will be on December 9, 2007 during the 11:00 Norwegian service.  We welcome all children and young adults to participate.  It is fun and rewarding; the music is lovely.  You do not need to speak Norwegian – we’ll help you learn the songs. Please join us!  Rehearsals will be on Sundays at 1:00 beginning November 4, 2007.   Meet in the Oslo room.  (below office) If you want to know more, contact Terry Parker Madson:  952-927-7211 or tparker_madson(at)earthlink.net. 

Songs are both in Norwegian and in English.  
Singing is directed by Dawn Sonntag.

History of Santa Lucia
St. Lucia's Day is celebrated across Scandinavia on December 13 marking the beginning of the holiday season. St. Lucia (Lucia meaning "light") was a young Christian woman who refused to give up her faith to marry an unbeliever. 

There are many legends about her and in each one Lucia stands as a symbol of light and hope to all mankind. Santa Lucia's coming begins the feasting, merriment, singing and the spirit of friendliness and goodwill that lasts all through the holidays.

Santa Lucia pageant at Mindekirken
On the Sunday closest to St. Lucia Day, Mindekirken presents a St. Lucia pageant.  The Santa Lucia pageant symbolizes the return of light and life to a dark world.

During the pageant presentation, a young girl dresses up as Lucia, wearing a white gown with a red sash and crowned with a wreath of candles and green. The lights in the sanctuary are dimmed and Lucia and the Lucia maids enter, carrying candles and singing the old song "Santa Lucia".  The boys, star boys, wear tall, pointed caps.

The pageant also features Christmas carols, Gospel readings in English and Norwegian and special music.

Pictured below is the 2006 Choir.  Lucia was played by Annette Huth, of Oslo, Norway. (center of back row with candle crown)

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716