Norwegian Service with Santa Lucia Pageant

Santa Lucia was a fourth century Christian martyr from Syracuse in present-day Italy. Lucia’s story juxtaposes well against many seasonal themes. Her Feast Day (December 13) in the Catholic tradition was the day of the winter solstice during the Middle Ages, which helps explain how she became associated with candles -  bringing light into the darkness, both literally and metaphorically, on the shortest day of the year. December 13 is also during the season of Advent in the Christian church year. Lucia’s light is thus representative of the light of God and the coming birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. Our pageant today blends the story of Lucia with the story of Christmas.

Mindekirken's pageant is similar to what is performed in on December 13 in Norway and Sweden. While it is not fully understood how the veneration of Lucia - an Italian saint - became so prominent in Sweden and neighboring Nordic countries, it is a beautiful tradition that now goes back hundreds of years. We hope you find this a meaningful part of your own celebration, devotion and reflection this Advent season.