All Saints’ Day is a day of dignity and reflection. The custom of lighting candles on family graves is still widely practiced, and anyone passing a cemetery in Sweden this weekend is met by some beautiful scenes.
Candlelit cemeteries. The countless points of light from the candles and lanterns placed on graves form beautiful patterns in the snow and lend a special feel to the landscape. People also lay flowers and wreaths on graves on All Saints’ Day. A jar of flowering heather stands up well to the cold.
First day of winter. In southern Sweden, outdoor work is nearing completion, while in the north, All Saints’ Day marks the first day of winter and the traditional start of the alpine ski season. Until recently, shops and stores were closed to mark the occasion. Although this is no longer the case everywhere, most Swedes take the day off, and those who don’t visit cemeteries usually stay at home with the family and cook an ambitious meal of some kind. Many churches organize concerts to celebrate All Saints’ Day.
All Saints’ Day – the origins In the year 731 AD, 1 November was designated a day of remembrance for saints of the church who had no days of their own. From the 11th century, 2 November was dedicated to all the dead, of whatever standing, and was called All Souls’ Day. It was widely observed by the populace, with requiems and bell-ringing, but was abolished with the arrival of the Reformation. In 1772, All Saints’ Day in Sweden was moved to the first Sunday in November and in 1953 to the Saturday between 31 October and 6 November. In the 1900s, however, people began putting lighted candles on the graves of the departed on All Saints’ Day. This custom originated with wealthy families in towns and cities. But after the World War II, it spread throughout the country. Churches also began holding services of light to mark the day.
Source: sweden.se/traditions/all-saints-day/
Area Events
Friday, June 19 and Sunday, June 21, 2015
Our Lucia Tradition in Dalesburg
Our Lucia Tradition began on December 13, 1977. The Swedish language classes had begun in February 1977 and continued in the fall. It was decided to have a Lucia celebration to end the “fall term.” The evening began with a “service” in the sanctuary of Dalesburg Lutheran Church. The “service” included a Lucia Court with Star Boys, songs and readings with Elmer Trotzig reading the Christmas Gospel in Swedish. Following the “service” there was a potluck supper in the church basement which was followed by a “long dance” through the basement.
As the years passed we have changed to a sit-down event in the church basement with a Scandinavian buffet and program. We continue to have a Lucia Court of local girls. One of which is Lucia either by election or draw-of- the-hat. We’ve added a julgran (Christmas tree) decorated in a Nordic style and sometimes the spelmän come and play a few tunes.
We celebrate a tradition that is very old and a tradition with a number of sources. Some see the source as the Lucia who was martyred for her Christian faith during the time of the Roman Empire. The story of her martyrdom and canonization as a saint came to Scandinavia with the coming of Christianity. Some see the source as a young woman in white coming out of Nordic mythology. The communality is “light.” The “light” of St. Lucia who was blinded by her oppressors, symbolizes the gift of sight and our concern for the blind. Lucia’s generosity in bring food to her friends serves as an example to us in how we should show compassion to others. The “light” of the young woman in white came to the Vikings during the dark, long winter nights. The young woman, later Lucia came during the longest nights to remind the people that these nights will pass and summer will return.
We each have our own reasons for celebrating Lucia. We celebrate the legend and message of St. Lucia. We celebrate our Scandinavian heritage in food. We celebrate it in old hymns from pre-dawn julotta services on Christmas Days past. We hear the Swedish heritage in the spoken and sung words of the language of our foreign-born ancestors.
We celebrate and are pleased with the participation of our younger people in our Lucia Celebration. We welcome their presence at the celebration of our and their heritage.
Welcome to Lucia! We welcome your presence. We welcome your involvement in preparing for our annual event.
Ron Johnson
Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
“Annual Meeting & Luncheonof Dalesburg Scandinavian Association”
Free Lunch!
Call Connie Richards (605-763-5128) for location and time, and to make reservations.
Please bring the names of girls who would be interested in being in the Lucia Court to the meeting or call Joan Huot (605-253-2568) with the names. Thank You.