What's up in Europe? | Page 90

The teenagers had their own tradition during the longest night of the year. They went around between the neighborhoods and sang songs, to receive money and present but also make a few jokes. The night of Lucia was celebrated by both rich and poor with food and drinks. During the early 17th century the tradition with a white dressed female appeared as a part of the celebration. One of the women at the mansion was dressed in white and had a crown with candles in her hair. The traditions seems to have its roots in Germany, a girl was dressed up to be Christkindlein, with lightened lights in her hairs to look like a Gloria. The tradition then grew bigger and bigger and we still have it today. The night of Lucia celebration today The modern celebration of Lucia got a start when Stockholms Dagblad 1927 arranged a Lucia-competition with a huge public Lucia procession in Stockholm. After that this happened on more places around the country. Now days the night of Lucia is celebrated at schools, daycares and communities. Many children are participating in Lucia precession and “lussar” for their parent and neighbors, as thank they get candy. In many cities as special Lucia is elected from voting by the citizens. The biggest annual Lucia-concert takes place in Globen in Stockholm. This Lucia Procession has been mentioned in Guinness Book of Records as the biggest with 1 200 participators. Here you can see the celebration from 2011 in Kungsholms church;  https:// www.youtube.com/watch? feature=player_embedded&v =MLycexat2xk Video: