The appearance of the "Queen of Light" at this season, near the time of the winter solstice, seems most appropriate as symbolizing the return of light after the dark days. Actually, the winter solstice occurs on December 22nd rather than December 13th, according to the old Julian calendar. Thus, the belief is surrounded by deeper meaning since the return of light is a symbol of hope and charity to the Swedish people in keeping with the original tradition. In Stockholm, where hundreds of girls vie for the honor of becoming Lucia, the final election is made by popular vote, with ten candidates contending. On the evening of December 13th, the Stockholm Lucia and her attendants and followers parade the streets of the Swedish capital in gaily decorated carriages. Since the annual Nobel Prize awarding ceremony takes place in Stockholm on December 10th, a Nobel Prize winner is usually on hand to make the presentation.
Sons and daughters of sweden, wherever they are at Christmas, recall that the high point of the holidays comes on Christmas Eve, Julafton. Daily occupations cease early as everyone hurries home to the midday meal. Old and young gather in the kitchen, which is bright with colored candlesticks and vases of flowers and fresh pine branches, for the dipping of bread in the pot known as doppa i grytan. On the stove simmers a large iron pot with the drippings of pork, sausage, and corned beeg. Slices of wort bread are spread on forks and dipped into the liquid until they are throughly saturataed, in remembrabce of an ancient famine when the only food was dark bread and broth. When the dipping is over, luncheon is served. Dusk comes early at this time of year and the wish for a white Christmas is usually fulfilled to give the season its natural setting and atmosphere. Dinner is an intimate family gathering, and a traditional menu is served in almost every home in Sweden. First comes a smorgasbord with ice-cold schnapps, or Akvavit, followed by lurfisk (sun-cured cod, served with a cream sauce), a rosy Christmas ham, and a variety of breads and other good things. The meal is topped off with steaming rice pudding or porridge. In its midst an almond is hidden, and the belief is that the one who finds it will marry before the next year is up, but no provision is made for those who are already married! Coffee, followed by almonds, candy, and raisins, is served in the living room, in close proximity to the Christmas tree. When the flickering white candles on the green brances are lighted, all electric illumination in the room is turned off. A rare and wonderful peace descends as every eye in quiet contemplation watches the glimmering flames. Then the gifts are distributed by Jultomten, as Kris Kringle or Santa Claus is known in Sweden. According to Scandinavian tradition, Jultomten is a little gnome, the guardian of the household or farm. If the cows are to give milk freely during the next year and the buildings kept safe from floods and storms, it is imperataive to remember Jultomten on Christmas Eve.
St. stephen's Day, December 26th, is known as the second day of Christmas. This day, which commemorates the patron of animals, is observed in a variety of ways in various parts of Europe. According to tradition, Stephen was among the first Christian missionaries who came to Sweden----about A.D. 1050. It is said that he had five horses----two red, two white, and one dappled. In his travels, he used them one at time to carry him in the performance of his duties of spreading the Gospel. So, in his honor, all farm animals are given extra rations. Early feeding and plenty of it indicates that a prosperous harvest has been enjoyed and that food and drink for the coming year will be plentiful. It is a day of carol singing, with all who participate enjoying the hospitality of friends and neighbors. On Twelfth Night the so-called Star Boys make their appearance, espesially in small communities. A week later, on January 13th----St. Knut's Day----the Yule-tide comes to a fitting close. (King Canute, who ruled the country a thousand years ago, had decreed that feasting at this season should last for twenty days). As the day passes, the tree is lighted for the last time before it is dismantled, and the children singing. |
