Sculptor celebrates Swedish festive tradition of "light, hymns and treats"

“The Lucia and Starboy Sculpture is inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of Lucia – bearer of light, hymns and Swedish treats,” Vincent explains.

“The Lucia tradition is as integral to Swedish culture as midsummer and crayfish parties. Immensely atmospheric, this 400-year-old custom brings peaceful joy each year on December 13– and it’s spreading across the world.

“I am married to a Swedish national and we have just celebrated 44 years of marriage. Our now grown-up children, as is customary in many households, performed this tradition each Christmas when growing up. It therefore seemed natural that I would produce a sculpture on the subject.

“Although loosely based on my children, I have given the figures a playful appearance and elongated them in the style of medieval sculpture. Cast in bronze resin with stainless steel detail the work is easily transportable for exhibition purposes.

“Each Christmas I enjoy finding new locations for the work as I feel duty bound to promote all things Swedish as the country has been so good to me through education, social integration and warmth. To date the sculpture has been on show in Portsmouth Cathedral, St Paul’s Church, Chichester, West Dean College and this year Guildford Cathedral.

“Lucia Day – also called Saint Lucy’s day – can be traced back to the 4th century. A Christian feast day, it commemorates the martyr Lucia of Syracuse, who, as legend has it, brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head.

“December 13 was the historic Julian calendar’s shortest day, and according to Swedish folklore, the long night was dangerous, with dark spirits out in force. Staying awake was paramount, and eating helped – another connection to the small feast associated with today’s Lucia celebration. Lucia made her first recorded appearance in a Swedish rural home in 1764, but the custom really established itself in the 1900s.

“Leading the procession, Lucia is trailed by handmaidens (tärnor), star boys (stjärngossar) and gingerbread men (pepparkaksgubbar). If children are participating in the procession, they may choose to be dressed as Christmas elves (tomtenissar). As for each individual group’s attire, Lucia’s defining feature is the lit-up wreath on the top of her head. Traditionally, real candles were used.

“Lucia is an ancient mythological figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winter. The Lucia tradition can be traced back both to Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a martyr who died in 304 and to the Swedish legend of Lucia as Adam’s first wife.

“Today Lucia, the bearer of light, is celebrated all around Sweden with candle processions and Lucia choirs, saffron buns, and glögg (mulled wine)! Its place in the calendar, December 13, also makes it a welcome break for many before preparations for the Christmas holidays shift into high gear.”