Photo Vesa Saivo / Satakunnan kansa
Lucia Maiden is a celebration in the whole Scandinavia and in Finland of Swedish speaking Finns. It is a celebration of light at the darkest time of the year. In many Swedish speaking families children dress up as Lucia maidens or star singers and wake their parents by bringing saffron bulls. In the coastal areas, the Lucia tradition continues throughout Christmas.
In Finland, the Lucia Maiden is chosen in partnership with non-governmental charity organization Folkhälsan and the newspaper Hufvudstadsbladet. They select the candidates from which the national Lucia Maiden will be elected by public vote. The vote involves a charity fundraiser. Lucia of Finland has been selected since 1949. Lucia is crowned at the Cathedral of Helsinki. After the crowning, Lucia Maiden appears on the steps of the Cathedral with the elves and the Lucia procession circles in the center of Helsinki. Later, she attends several events. In addition, many cities and schools throughout Finland choose their own Lucia maidens and organize Lucia parades.
Lucia Maiden 2019 is Sara Ray, from Ostrobottnia. President Tarja Halonen
shall crown her today. Photo Folkhälsan / Henrik Schütt
Santa Lucia is a song composed by Teodoro Cottra and lyrics are based on a Neapolitan folk song. Cottrau published it as a boat song or barcarole in 1849 after translating the dialect of Naples into standard Italian. The Italian words of the song describe the beauty of the seascape in the Gulf of Naples. In the words of the song, the boatman urges listeners to join the boat to enjoy the evening atmosphere as the stars shine. On Youtube you can find among others Andrea Bocelli singing this beautiful song.
I don’t know what is the matter with the video, so sorry.
I can listen it with all appliances.
Christmas goodies at art & home museum Villa Gyllenberg, Helsinki
The link is open
FROM FRIDAY 7 AM TILL THE NEXT TUESDAY 4 PM
Helsinki time
Helsinki time
