SAINT LUCIA
Saint Lucia is an ancient cult rooted in the martyrdom of a poor virgin girl from Syracuse. Born in 283 AD, she was condemned to forced prostitution at just twenty years old. Her crime? Being reported as a Christian by her betrothed. These were the times of Emperor Diocletian and the great persecution of Christianity. She managed to escape prostitution and was subsequently sentenced to death by burning. However, the flames did not touched her, sparing her even from the pyre. It was then that she was killed with a sword, around the year 303.
THE LEGEND
As if her story were not tragic enough, the legend says that her eyes were also gouged out, making her a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness.
FROM SYRACUSE TO NORTHERN EUROPE
With the spread of Christianity in Europe, the cult of Saint Lucia also expanded. In Northern Europe, where winter days are long and dark, Saint Lucia became a tradition celebrating the end of the shortest days of the year. It is a deeply felt tradition in Sweden, as well as in Norway and Finland.
IN HELSINKI
By December 13, Helsinki is already well adorned with Christmas lights. The festive spirit can be felt everywhere—in markets, in the joyous atmosphere of the approaching holidays, and in the traditional songs played throughout the city.
The Saint Lucia parade takes place every year in the spectacular Helsinki Cathedral, which dominates Senate Square, right in front of the massive Christmas tree. It is a cherished event, broadcast live on national TV. Many children, wearing Santa hats, gather around the Cathedral to watch.
WHO HAS THE HONOR OF REPRESENTING SAINT LUCIA?
Each year, a young woman is chosen for this esteemed role, a highly sought-after honour with rigorous selection criteria. Saint Lucia must lead the procession while singing traditional songs.
AT EXACTLY 5 PM
At precisely 5:00 PM each year, the Cathedral doors open to welcome Saint Lucia. On her head, she wears a crown with seven candles, a reminder of the young Lucia from Roman times who placed candles on her head to keep her hands free while helping persecuted Christians in the catacombs. Her bright white dress symbolizes purity, while a red sash represents her martyrdom. She is followed by a retinue of maidens. The silence of the church is broken by the harmonious singing of Saint Lucia, joined in chorus.
THE CONCERT
Standing at the centre in front of the altar, surrounded by her maidens, Saint Lucia begins a Christmas choir that fills the Cathedral with enchantment. After the concert, Lucia leads the procession down the Cathedral’s grand staircase to the cheers of a festive crowd. The parade winds through the city centre, ending at Esplanadi near the old harbour. Here, she wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, concluding this spectacular celebration.
The air is left vibrating with the magic of one of Northern Europe’s most captivating Christmas traditions.
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