By Michele Kramer-Fitzgerald
Every holiday season, Delawareans gather at the historic Old Swedes Church near the Wilmington waterfront to celebrate its Sankta Lucia Celebration (St. Lucia Celebration), in a ceremony filled with candles, light, and song.
Next year, the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society will celebrate 50 years of honoring the Lucia tradition in the First State. Although no formal plans have been set for the anniversary, this annual event will surely be on the docket.
Origins of the Lucia Tradition
This Swedish tradition has roots in both Christian and pre-Christian customs.
Historically, December 13 was considered the longest night of the year under the old Julian calendar. In Nordic folklore, it was believed to be a dangerous night when evil spirits roamed, prompting people to stay awake to protect their homes and livestock. Fires and candles were lit to ward off darkness and keep malevolent forces at bay.
With the rise of Christianity, these customs merged with the story of Saint Lucia (or St. Lucy, whose name means ‘light’), a young Christian martyr from Syracuse, Sicily, who was executed around 304 A.D. for her faith. In the legend, she brought food to persecuted Christians in hiding, wearing a wreath of candles on her head to light her way.
The modern celebration began to take shape in 18th-century Sweden, particularly among the nobility, where a young woman dressed in white would serve coffee and buns to her family on December 13. The custom spread throughout the country, and by the early 20th century, it had become a national tradition, complete with public processions, music, and officially chosen “Lucias” in towns and schools.
Lucia Traditions Far and Near
Today, Luciadagen (St. Lucy’s Day) represents light overcoming darkness, hope amid winter, and togetherness, uniting ancient Nordic midwinter rituals with the Christian story of Saint Lucia.
Each December 13, Swedes continue to honor St. Lucia, as a timeless symbol of light and renewal. The event also signifies the official beginning of Christmas preparation in Sweden.
Historically, the eldest daughter in a family is dressed in white with a crown of candles. She leads a procession of attendants through the church — including younger children wearing white costumes and “star boys” adorned with pointed hats — all singing traditional songs. The celebration is accompanied by treats including coffee, lussekatter (saffron buns), and pepparkakor (ginger cookies).
Locally, the celebration began to formalize in the late 1970s. According to the book, Delaware Swedish Colonial Society: A Chronological History, by longtime board member Ruth Swanson Crossan: “On December 12, 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Harrington held a ‘mini Lucia party’ at their home. Their friend, Frank Hagrid, brought the customary Swedish drink glögg, and an exchange student from Sweden portrayed St. Lucia.”
The following year on December 3, a Lucia Christmas party was held at the Hotel du Pont, attracting 110 guests. The event featured Swedish folk dancers from New York, a Swedish menu prepared by hotel chefs, and Mr. Hagrid’s renowned glögg recipe. Another Swedish exchange student, named Maria Hedlin, played St. Lucia.
Finally on December 10, 1978, a crowd of 250 attended the first official St. Lucia celebration at Old Swedes Church. Anne Marie Meckler, clad in a long white dress and a crown trimmed with greens and lighted candles on her head, led the procession.
One of the attendants, a Swedish exchange student named Eva Swanberg, said of the evening, “Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Lucia. I’m really glad I can do it. To me, it’s really Sweden.”
Experience Lucia for Yourself
Young children participate in the processional of the St Lucia Celebration in Wilmington. Photos courtesy Betsy Christopher.
The Old Swedes Church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963. It was built in 1698-1699 and is one of our country’s oldest church buildings still in regular use. Its location, at 606 N. Church Street, is near the original 1638 landing of Swedish colonists — Delaware’s first permanent European settlers.
The Lucia Celebration is one of the best times to visit the church. This year’s Lucia Celebration will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1:00 p.m. Swedish coffee and cookies will be served before and after the service in the building adjacent to the church. Guests can also enjoy free tours of the Hendrickson House, which will be decorated in Swedish Christmas tradition.
— Tickets for patrons age 13 and up are $15; tickets for children age 5-12 are $5; under age 5 admitted free. Purchase at DelawareSwedes.org
Above: St. Lucia Celebrations at Old Swedes Church include a young woman as “St. Lucia” wearing a crown of candles, processional attendants played by younger children, and plenty of festive music and dancing. Photo by David Robson.
Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald is the Director of Marketing & Events for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, as well as the manager of the blog Delaware Arts Info, and the Board Chair of City Theater Company. She is a self-described “cheerleader” for the arts and animal rescue, a die-hard Penn Stater and a doting dog mom. A big fan of The Beatles, Bon Jovi, strong java and red blends, she’s pretty sure that in a parallel universe, she’s a writer for Rolling Stone. She, hubby Scott, and furbaby Eli are proud residents of the City of Wilmington.