According to legend, the story of Lucia came to Scandinavia when Sweden was in the midst of a famine. In the midst of that winter, Lucia steered a ship shining with light and filled with food came across the waters of Lake Vännern in the province of Värmland. Thus, the people of Sweden were saved from starvation. Therefore, to honor Lucia, whose name is derived from lux meaning light, the eldest daughter of Swedish families awakens early on December 13th to serve saffron buns, ginger cookies and coffee to her family. She wears a white gown with a red sash and a crown of lingonberry branches with seven lit candles. The green and light represent new life during the Winter Solstice.
