The heir family of Sweden respects the tradition every year. On December 13, Saint Lucia's Day, Crown Princess Victoria takes photos of her children to continue traditions. This year, the Royal House shared a photo of Princess Estelle, dressed in a white tunic, wearing a crown of candles and holding a basket of brioches.
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Prince Oscar escapes Saint Lucia photo this year but Princess Estelle respects tradition
The little children of Scandinavia celebrate Saint Lucia's Day this Friday. December 13 is the day in the calendar dedicated to the memory of Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a Sicilian martyr who fell victim to Diocletian in 304. The celebration marks the start of Christmas festivities as it is a few days before the end of year celebrations. , and it is also the first day when the days start to get longer. In Scandinavian countries, the relationship with light and natural elements is very important. The first name Lucie also comes from the word Luxwhich means light in Latin.
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Every year, Crown Princess Victoria takes photos of her children in order to share a morning snapshot on the Royal Household's social networks. This year, only Princess Estelle poses for her mother. Her little brother, Prince Oscar, does not appear in the photo. By sharing the photo, the Royal House specifies that the photo was taken this morning. Princess Estelle, 12, is currently second in line to the throne, just behind Crown Princess Victoria.
Princess Estelle wears a white tunic and a red sash. She sits near a marble wall of Haga Castle, the residence of the heir family. Princess Estelle holds a basket full of brioches to share for the coffee. The princess is also wearing a crown of electric candles. The other tradition linked to Saint Lucia is taking care of horses, a ritual which had been respected in other years. In 2019, the Royal Court shared photos of Estelle and Oscar riding horses.
There are many customs and rituals, including processions led by young girls. Customs differ from region to region and have evolved over the centuries. Usually, children hold a candle in their hands, a symbol of the light that recalls the life of Saint Lucy and of the fire, which spared her at the stake. The red belt is also a reference to the young girl, evoking the sword blow that would have been given to her and therefore her blood shed. Saint Lucy, born into a noble and wealthy family in Catania, went to the tomb of Saint Agatha to implore the saint to heal her mother. Saint Agatha appeared to him and granted his request. In exchange, Saint Lucy distributed her family inheritance to the poor. She was then martyred and burned at the stake as a Christian.
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
