Santa Lucia: Spreading Hope, Light, and Nourishment

A Joyful Second Grade Tradition Shared Across Our School

As part of the second grade curriculum, our students explore stories of various saints from cultures around the world exploring their noble human qualities. As part of this learning, they hear tales and legends of Saints whose lives highlight courage, kindness, and service to others. One of the most beloved stories is that of Santa Lucia, a figure whose light has shone through centuries.

Celebrated for bringing comfort during a time of great hardship, Saint Lucy is said to have offered food, warmth, and compassion to the people of Sweden during a severe famine. Her festival once marked the longest night of the year under the old Gregorian calendar, making her a symbol of brightness in the heart of winter.

Our students embody this spirit of giving in a beautiful school-wide procession. Once second grade child portrays Santa Lucia, dressed in white with a red sash and wearing a wreath of candles, crafted from evergreen lingonberry branches, signifying life and hope even in the darkest season. Her classmates accompany her carrying candles, and baskets of fragrant buns.

Together, they walk through the hallways singing, offering buns and tea to every classroom. Their visit brings a moment of warmth, nourishment, and joy to students and teachers alike; a reminder of how small gestures of kindness can brighten an entire community.

Santa Lucia’s message is timeless: even in the depth of winter, we can be bearers of hope and light for one another.

Verse

Through silent winter gloom
Thy song comes winging to
Waken the earth anew.
Glad carols bringing.
Come thou O Queen of Night
Wearing thy crown so bright.
Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia.