The start of the Christmas season in Sweden is December 13th: Saint Lucia’s Day.

On this morning, a family’s eldest daughter dons herself as Saint Lucia in white gown, red sash, and lighted candle crown, and awakens her family with traditional song, warm drink, Lussekatter (saffron buns), and ginger biscuits.

The holiday festivities, occurring during one of Scandinavia’s darkest days of the year, symbolize the true hope and light that Christ brings to a dark world at Christmas.

Legend has it that Saint Lucia (or Saint Lucy), who lived in Sicily around 300 AD, bravely brought sustenance to persecuted Christians hiding in catacombs during the terror of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Hands full, she fashioned a crown of candles on her head to light her way through the dark underground.

Last year my sisters, mother, and I took joy in fashioning a festive little St. Lucia's Day brunch photo inspiration for the Lala. I thought it only fitting to share the photos in this space today: St. Lucia's Day!