Santa Lucia Swedish Tea Ring By Linda Milks
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rowing up in a Swedish community taught me about St. Lucia and one of the most famous celebrations in Sweden. Our church had a Swedish tea where Spritz and Thumbprint cookies were served as well as the crowning jewel of the table, a Swedish Tea Ring.
On December 13, St. Lucia Day takes place. This day is a festival of light in the long, dark Scandinavian winter. Traditionally, the oldest daughter of a family dresses in a white robe with a red sash and a crown of greenery and candles. She goes from room to room in her home singing and bringing her family tea, pastry, and cookies. Today, schools, businesses, and towns hold their own St. Lucia procession on December 13 in Sweden and is broadcast each year with a concert by a di erent choir. Following in my mother’s tradition, I have prepared and frozen this pastry for Christmas morning to be served after we open gifts.
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