Last week in Paris was rather Swedish with the visit of the Royal couple (see
preceding post), although news media would certainly pay higher attention to a
British, U.S…. state visit. To end the
week, there was another event, which actually takes place every year - the
celebration of “Sankta Lucia”, Saint Lucy. Logically it should be celebrated
December 13, but there was an early start this year, December 5. Normally there would be a reception at the Swedish Embassy, but, as it's under restoration, this
year there was a more open invitation to the Sainte Clotilde Basilica.
The singing
is performed by young girls (and a few boys) from the Swedish School and the
Swedish Church. They will perform several more times, including in the Swedish
Church on the correct date, December 13.
Before
talking about the concert, just a few pictures of the Sainte Clotilde
Basilica, a neo-gothic church from the 19th century, in the 7th
arrondissement, close to the Parliament, some ministries and embassies.
The church
was more than full, there was a short welcome speech by the newly appointed Ambassador,
Veronika Wand-Danielsson… and then arrived Saint Lucy.
After the
singing we were all invited to a glass of “glögg” (hot mulled wine) and some “pepparkakor”
(ginger snaps). We were quite a crowd.
I wrote
about the Saint Lucy singing already five years ago (here) – with a link to
YouTube if you would like to hear the Saint Lucy song - and there I also said
a few words about the history behind this celebration and why it takes place
December 13 rather than December 21, considering that the meaning is to bring light to the shortest
day. (The reason is the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar during
the 16th century.)
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