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| The "Lucias" come ahead. Lucia comes from "light", of the Latin "Lux" and that's why the "Lucias" come with a crown of candles, like the aureolas of angels. The choir enchanted the present people with Christmas and religious songs. |
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| On December 13th the Embassy of Sweden promoted a celebration of Saint Lucia day, one of he most popular celebrations in Sweden. At the Embassy, the Ambassador Mrs. Margareta Winberg and the diplomats of the Embassy hosted many important guests of the international community in Brasília. |
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| Ambassadress of Sweden Mrs. Margareta Winberg (left) and Mrs. Boel Wollter, wife of the Minister Counsellor Anders Wollter of the Embassy of Sweden. |
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| From left to right, Ambassador of Denmark Mr. Christian Konigsfeldt , Mrs. Jane Godoy, from Correio Brasiliense and Mrs. Pia Konigsfeldt, wife of the Ambassador of Denmark. |
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| Although Saint Lucia was an Italian Saint, the Italians and people from any nationality who visit Sweden on December 13th are astonished by the enthusiasm with which the Lutheran Swedish celebrate the party of the Sicilian Saint. |
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| The procession of the "Lucias" walks majestically down the main avenues of the cities in Sweden. In the front, go the "Lucias", wearing a White tunic and carrying candles, also on the head, like crowns of light, with their hands together as if they were praying. |
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| The children amazed the guests with an enchanting performance. |
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| Behind them, walk the "Children of the Stars", a group of children holding a carton made crown and a stick with a star on the tip, relating to the celebration of Christmas. All the rest follow, singing, with the "Lucias" and the "Children of the Stars" a smooth melody, traditional of Saint Lucia. |
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| The procession performed by the children reminded the true celebrations of Saint Lucia day in Sweden. |
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| When the date is celebrated indoors, it is tradition to serve "Lucia Café", with a type of muffin named "lussekatter", made in the same way as they were hundreds of years ago, in time of Christmas. It is also common to celebrate Saint Lucia day in a supper among the family. |
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| During the event children performed dances and songs |
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| This traditional celebration comes from the 12th and 13th Centuries, when the Swedish of the Middle Age ate a special breakfast to prepare for the time of Christmas. Christmas started to be celebrated from December 13th. |
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| Everyone applauded the girl who represented Saint Lucia. |
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Sankta Lucia
Sankta Lucia,
Ljusklara hängring,
Sprid I var venternatt
Glans av din fägring!
Drömmar méd vingesus
Under oss sai!
Tänd dina vita ljus, Sankta Lucia!
Kom i din vita skrud
Huld méd din maning!
Skänk oss, du julens brud,
Julfröjders aning!
Drömmar med vingesus
Under oss sia!
Tänd dina vita ljus, Sankta Lucia!
Music by Teodoro Cottrau and lyrics by Sigrid Elmblad
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| THE GUIDE congratulates the Embassy of Sweden for the enchanting celebration that makes the spirit of Christmas even more expressive in us all. |
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