From Scary Figure to Saint: The Shining Light of the 13th

Who are Lussi/Lussekäringen and Saint Lucy? What is their connection to the winter solstice—the longest night of the year?  Has the old gods been replaced by the new? There is no shortage of folklore and mythology associated with the winter season. Many symbols have evolved with the introduction of Christianity to these regions, often blending with remnants of old traditions. December 13th is one such example, where the celebration of the return of the light is marked in a unique fashion, particularly in Scandinavian countries. The Lucia tradition is something uniquely Swedish, inspired by traditions and rituals both ancient and modern.