Class 2/3 to Carry the Peace and Goodwill of Santa Lucia Throughout the School

From Class Teacher Claudia Reinhardt: Santa Lucia Day is on December 13th and celebrates the life of Saint Lucy and light for the longest night of the year (under the old Gregorian calendar this was the Winter Solstice). Lucia thus shines as a symbol of hope and light during the dark time of the year as we turn our focus inward.
   
This day usually begins before dawn, with the oldest girl in the family preparing delicious saffron buns for the family. She often wears a white dress with a red sash and wears a wreath of candles on her head. Boys often accompany the procession as "star boys." While this festival is nowadays predominantly celebrated in Sweden, the origin is Sicilian. Saint Lucy is said to have brought food to Christians hiding in the catacombs. Wearing a candle lit wreath to light the way left her hands free to carry a tray filled with food.

The 2nd and 3rd graders are hearing the story "A Santa Lucia Legend" by Swedish Nobel-prize winning author Selma Lagerlöf. Kindness, peace, and good will toward our fellow human beings are reflected most beautifully in this story.

On December 13th, our class will work together and bake Lucia wreaths that we will deliver to the kindergarten and grades classes on December 14th, in the morning, while singing...

Santa Lucia
Thy light is glowing
Through darkest winter night,
Comfort bestowing.
Dreams float on wings bedight
Then comes the morning light.
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!   
Through silent winter gloom
Thy song comes winging.
To waken earth anew
Glad carols bringing.
Come thou, oh Queen of Light
Wearing the crown so bright.
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Santa Lucia
Christmas foretelling,
Fill hearts with hope and cheer,
Dark fears dispelling.
Bring to the world again,
Peace and good will to men.
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!