Raid the pantry for lingonberries and saffron buns, Piggies! It's St. Lucy's Day! 🐹 ❤️ 🤍 💚 💛 👑 🕯️🕯️🕯️🎄

When winter is at its darkest, even a single candle can feel like a promise—and perhaps earn an approving wheek. Celebrated on December 13th, St. Lucy’s Day is a soft, glowing festival that brings warmth, hope, and a little extra coziness to the heart of the winter season.

Rooted in both Christian and pre-Christian traditions, it honors St. Lucy (Santa Lucia), a Christian martyr whose name means “light,” a fitting symbol as the year inches toward brighter days… and longer foraging hours.

Especially beloved in Scandinavia and Italy, the celebration features candlelit processions led by a Lucia-brud (Lucia Bride)—a young piggy in a white gown with a red sash and a crown of candles—accompanied by attendants dressed as star boys (stjärngossar), tomtar (gnomes), or even gingerbread men. Gentle carols float through the air, spreading warmth and good cheer, while seasonal treats like saffron-scented lussekatter buns and cozy cups of glögg complete the scene. And naturally, every proper St. Lucy celebration includes a ceremonial carrot or two for the most important guests of all: the Lucia piggies. 🕯️🐹🥕

Wheek! Wheek!