By Omid Alaepour

NTD NEWS, SWEDEN—During the darkest time of year, Lucia comes with light in her crown and accompanied by an entourage of females and males. The 13th of December has become a day in Sweden associated with her.

The name Lucia carries the meaning of light bearer.

On this day thousands of girls around Sweden emulate Lucia.

[Heather Dinan and Olivia Uddhammar, 14 year olds]:
"You know with the glitter in the hair, the glitter down here and with the white dress, and the candle in the hand."

[Ivar Grahn]:
"We will go in the afternoon to look at a concert at the Nordic museum."

Lucia lived in Syracuse in Italy in the 4th Century A.D. She chose to devote her life as a Christian during a time when the Roman Empire suppresed Christianity.


[Father Christoph Herman, St. Eugenia's Catholic Parish]:
"There is this story about Saint Lucia who wanted to help other christians who were living in catacombs, and she wanted to bring them food. She didn't have free hands to carry a light, so she decided to put on lights on her head. And with her hands full of food, and with the lights on her head, she went into the catacombs, so she could see."

Her father opposed her conviction and planned to have her marry a non-Christian man, hoping she would give up her faith.

Lucia chose to live in celibacy and she was later martyred. Her eyes were gouged out before her execution. She is now a patron for those with a visual handicap.

[Heather Dinan, 14 years]:
"With the songs and the happy spirit, it is near christmas, you know the joy."