(For the 24 weeks leading up to December 1st, we’ll be making a Christmas ornament. Each one will be traditional to or inspired by a different country.)
I’m currently living in a box fort and trying to dig my way out, so for this week we are going to visit Sweden and make an ornament that I shared with you last year. Actually, it is two ornaments, Santa Lucia and Star Boy.
Santa Lucia is an Italian saint that is a big part of Swedish (and other Scandinavian) holiday traditions. The night before Santa Lucia Day, December 13th, is said to be the longest of the year in Sweden, so Santa Lucia, with her wreath of candles representing the fire that could not kill her, brings light into the night. In homes, the eldest daughter dresses as Santa Lucia and brings her parents coffee and Santa Lucia buns in the morning singing a song about her light overcoming darkness. Santa Lucia is often accompanied by Star Boys who represent Saint Stephen the first Christian martyr.
These two peg doll ornaments are really a lot of fun to make and don’t require a ton of supplies. I think the results are quite cute. You can get the step-by-step instructions to make them here.
Next week I promise I’ll be back with a new ornament. God Jul!
© 2005 – 2013 Kathy Lewinski & Susan Cornish
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