Lovely Lucia

Here’s a beautiful video of a lovely Lucia celebration.

Christmas Greetings to Air on MPBN

Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss it! MBPN TV will be airing “Christmas Greetings From Aroostook” on December 23, 2010 at 9 pm and also December 25 at 4 pm. Watching this presentation with family and friends has become a tradition in itself.  Christmas celebrations in the Swedish colony are highlighted, including Lucia. The music and lights of small towns around the County herald the special ways that various communities mark the holiday season.

Brenda Jepson of Crown of Maine productions has once again brought wonderful images, sounds, and memories to viewers in this heart-warming video.

Midsommar Memories at the Winter Solstice

Sometimes a bit of summer seems to be needed. As we approach the darkest and shortest day of the year, maybe remembering the sweet golden days of Midsommar would be nice for a few moments. Check out “The Places You Never Knew Existed. . . Midsommar in New Sweden.”

Be sure to view the photo gallery!

Midsommar blooma

60 Lucias

See a slide show of sixty Lucias in Finland, one for each year 1950-2009.

Lucia

Lucia is celebrated tomorrow in New Sweden, Maine at the elementary school at 6:30 as  has been the tradition for many years.

Around the world many versions of Lucia will take place.

In Helsinki, Finland the elected Lucia will descend the steep steps and ride in a beautiful carriage through the city streets in a parade.

In British Columbia, Canada students of the Scandinavian and Nordic Cultural Association present their version.

A youtube clip from Sweden in 2002 shares the young girls singing Santa Lucia.

In Mora, Sweden the Saint Lucia procession arrives at the old church in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Even New Zealand celebrates Lucia!

Christmas Fair in Sweden

It seems not so far distant. There’s snow. There’s Christmas music. There are home made foods for sale at the Christmas fair. It is Stockholm and we have a Stockholm too.
So even though there are many miles that separate the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden and the little village of Stockholm, Maine, there are ties that bind. Enjoy the photos of the Christmas Fair in the Old Town of Stockholm.