KCKPL YS/Saint Lucia Day

CELEBRATE ST. LUCIA DAY

Lucia is the saint of light and every December 13, one of the longest and darkest winter nights in Sweden, she is celebrated. One girl is chosen to be Lucia, and wears a long white gown tied with a red sash. On her head she wears a crown of lingonberry and candles. Following her are other girls dressed in white carrying candles. Also tending to Lucia are starboys dressed in long white shirts and pointed caps decorated with silver stars. Usually, each school has its own St. Lucia procession. Children sing traditional songs and eat gingerbread cookies and saffron buns with raisin called lussekatts or Lucia cats.

ST. LUCIA BUNS

5 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon powdered saffron OR
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut up
2 large eggs, slightly beaten

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, 2 cups flour, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk to simmering over medium heat, then remove from the heat. Add the saffron and butter; stir until the butter is melted and the mixture and add eggs. Beat with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth and satiny. Beat in the remaining flour one cup at a time until the dough is stiff but not dry. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. To bake, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Form the dough into "S" shapes and bake for 8-10 minutes.

GLOWING CANDLES CRAFT	ST. LUCIA
piece of construction paper small square of poster board gold glitter Cut flame shapes from the poster board and glue on gold glitter. Cut a slit in the side of each candle to hold the flame. Hold the candles and sing carols, such as "ST. LUCIA".	(sing to the tune of Are You Sleeping?) O, Saint Lucia, O, Saint Lucia, Wearing white, Lighting up the darkest Lighting up the darkest Winter night, Winter night.