The Swedish Lucia is named after the Sicilian Saint Lucia. In Sicily, Lucia means "the light one". And in general, Swedish Lucia celebrations are about bringing light to one of the darkest times of the year.

Sweden's Lucia traditions have their roots in central Sweden and spread throughout the country in the early 1900s.

It is not known exactly how the traditions started, but Swedish Lucia celebrations have their origins in both pagan and Christian traditions.

Until the 18th century, Sweden followed the Julian calendar. And according to this calendar, the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere occurred on December 13.

The longest night of the year was according to folklore a dangerous night when many supernatural forces were in motion. It was therefore best to stay awake all night. The Christmas pig was also slaughtered on December 13 and this was celebrated with a feast.

These days, Lucia is celebrated through a "Lucia procession", (Luciatåg). A girl or a woman, dressed in a white gown and with a wreath of candles in her hair, is the Lucia. She is followed by a group of other girls and women, called "Tärnor", and three men, called "Stjärngossar". They are also dressed in white gowns.

The Lucia procession sings traditional Christmas and Lucia songs, and often serves glögg and Lussekatter (saffron buns) to their audience.

Schools and pre-schools often organise Lucia celebrations with their students and invite parents to watch the performances. And often, children also dress up as Lucias, tärnor and stjärngossar at home and bring their parents breakfast in bed.

Lucia is celebrated on December 13 in many churches in Gothenburg. Some of the more spectacular celebrations include:

Oscar Fredriks kyrka 16:00
Hagakyrkan 18:00 and 20:00
Vasakyrkan with Gothenburg's Lucia 20:00