At many Waldorf schools all over the world we will celebrate the festival of Saint Lucia on December 13. This Scandinavian festival of lights brightens the dark days of midwinter and celebrates the life of Saint Lucia, an Italian saint known for her kindness and love. Saint Lucy or Lucia, whose name comes from the Latin word “lux” meaning light, links this celebration with the days growing longer after the Winter solstice.
The Waldorf school celebration often includes the 8th grade students all dress in white, and the oldest 8th grade girl dresses as St. Lucia and wears a crown of greens and candles. The 8th grade students are joined by the 2nd grade students in a procession, visiting each class from the pre-kindergarten through 7th grade, singing Lucia songs and delivering cookies– a traditional St. Lucia day treat. (Find a recipe for Swedish saffron buns here!) For the children, seeing the 8th grade students clothed in white and singing like angels in a procession behind Lucia is a breath-taking and beautiful sight. The 2nd grade especially enjoys the experience, as the St. Lucia story is one they likely have heard as part of the 2nd grade saints and fables curriculum.
The Waldorf school celebration often includes the 8th grade students all dress in white, and the oldest 8th grade girl dresses as St. Lucia and wears a crown of greens and candles. The 8th grade students are joined by the 2nd grade students in a procession, visiting each class from the pre-kindergarten through 7th grade, singing Lucia songs and delivering cookies– a traditional St. Lucia day treat. (Find a recipe for Swedish saffron buns here!) For the children, seeing the 8th grade students clothed in white and singing like angels in a procession behind Lucia is a breath-taking and beautiful sight. The 2nd grade especially enjoys the experience, as the St. Lucia story is one they likely have heard as part of the 2nd grade saints and fables curriculum.
