Christmas lights

I was nt expecting a sunset today as the afternoon had turned rather cloudy after a lovely, slightly windy, morning. This was a lovely surprise as we put the shopping away. Turned really cold especially in the wind and it was hard to hold the camera still.

This time of year many cultures celebrate the Festivals of Light.One of the biggest celebrations takes place in Sweden on December 13th with St Lucia's ( St Lucy's )Day. St Lucy was martyred when she was killed for her faith in 304AD. A story is told of how she fed the Christians that were hiding in the catacombs under the city of Rome. She would wear candles around her head so that both her hands were free to carry things. The name Lucy means light and today a young girl is dressed in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles in her hair. The crown is made from lingonberry branches which are evergreen and symbolises new life in Winter. Special saffron and raisin buns are eaten for breakfast.

Todays Yule lad is Spoon Licker. He would sneak into houses and lick the wooden spoons used to scrape the pots. He would need to use both his hands as the spoon would be sticky.

Watching Carols by candle light and singing along to the ones I know.