Kirsten’s Christmas Tradition
Tomorrow is Santa Lucia Day. This tradition started in
Scicily and spread to Scandanavia and other parts of Europe .
It’s not a big a deal in the US
unless your ancestors are from one of those countries. Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia)
was blinded and killed because she gave most of her dowry to the poor. She is
patron saint of the blind. But she is also celebrated for binging light to the
darkness.
Originally Santa Lucia Day fell on the first day of winter/Christmas,
but when the Julien calendar was retired it shifted forward 11 days to
December 13.
The eldest daughter is chosen as the Lucia bride and wears the
white robe with red sash and a wreath of candles on her head. If she has
siblings they have a part too. All wear white gowns, the girls have garland in
their hair and around their waists while the boys wear paper cone hats and
carry stars.
Xyra got me the year I was retired, but could only get a few
items from my collection. Sadly, my Santa Lucia gown, wreath, and tray were not
among them. However, Lady Vanyer came to the rescue and the artist who created
Melody’s Kimono was commissioned to make the festive wear. :-)
Her name is Virgina Gaudiello. Her clothes range in price
from $10-$40 and she is willing to do commissions/requests. You can contact her
through ArtFusion19464 in Pottstown , PA.
She does awesome work. Today I want to show you all she did
for me (us).
This is the entire outfit.
The white gown is made of a really soft flannel. It is
trimmed in lace and has a red satin sash.
Here is a close up of the lace.
Another of the sleeve and the belt loop (so I don’t lose the
sash).
The gown has a snap closure. I love that. Velcro pulls my
hair.
These are the little red and white stockings (socks) she
made.
Aren’t they cute? Just perfect for this festival.
She included red hair ribbons. Rascal! Leave the ribbon
alone!
But this is just the tip of the iceberg…she also made the
wreath. Isn’t it cool?
Some say it should be holly leaves others say lingonberry
leaves. Holly would be really picky.
This one is made of ivy so it reminds me of the Christmas
Carol...The Holly and the Ivy.
That’s all for today. Come back again tomorrow to see me as
the Lucia Bride.
Have a great day!
Note: Tomorrow, while the wreath does have real candles, we will not be lighting them. Open flames and dolls don't mix. Even in Sweden they are now using electric candles for Sanat Lucia wreaths.
Santa Lucia Day Research
American Girl: Kirsten Larson Kirsten’s Surprise and Santa
Lucia Outfit
#artfusion19464
#santaluciafestival
#americangirlkirstenlarsen
That is very interesting and the gown is so pretty. I can't wait to see it on her tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It will be the first time she wears it. :-D
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