When my daughter was born I really wanted to keep some family tradition. I though it would give us a wonderful sense of consistency from year to year. Trouble was that we were a bit removed from our ancestral roots and needed to search a bit to find a tradition we wanted to keep.
I really don't even remember how I first learned of Santa Lucia Day. I think I may have been leafing through one of my Grandma's old Swedish cookbooks. What struck me was that the holiday is celebrated in both Italy (where some of my husband's family is from) and Sweden (where some of my family is from). Frankly, when I think about Italy and Sweden sharing a holiday, it just seems a bit odd. (and now I am about to digress, bear with me). One explanation I have read is that a boat load of Vikings learned the story of the sainted Lucia while in Italy. Really? Think about that. Does that not seem odd? Do you think they would go back?
"Sven, put down that bunch of juicy grapes and grab your parka. We're headed back to the frosty north. I'm dying for some decent pickled herring."
I don't see that happening. But, somehow the sad and slightly creepy (she was burned at the stake) story of a young girl who sold her dowry to feed the poor found its way to Sweden and struck a chord. For me, the best part of Lucia Day is Lucia Buns.
The point of all of this, and there is a point, is that my husband's Italian ancestors and my Swedish ancestors had a common link in Lucia and now they had another in our daughter.
Early on the morning of Lucia Day, the eldest daughter in Swedish families dresses in a white gown with a red sash and wearing a crown of greens an lighted candles (and doesn't that seem inherently dicey?), she delivers a tray of coffee and golden Lucia Buns to her parents as they lounge in bed.
When I first heard this I thought, "sign me up." But then Allegra was about three at the time and couldn't even reach the kitchen counter, let alone make a pot of coffee. So I made the coffee and the Lucia Buns then and I still do.
The slightly sweet saffron buns now mark the beginning of our Christmas season. Allegra helps me make the buns and she can make a great pot of coffee now. When the scent of baking Lucia Buns fills the house I know my original wish for a lasting family tradition has come true.
If you want to make Lucia Buns here is a link to some great recipes at cooks.com. I like a bit of cardamom in mine and instead of raisins I now use dried cherries or cranberries. Tonight I am making them with candied orange peel.
Think about starting a new tradition that embraces your family's roots; have a tamale making party or learn how to make a great English Plum Pudding. The best time to start a tradition is today.
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