Glimmar I Mörkret 

An exhibit in the Knauer Gallery, West Chester University

Swedish Traditions and Pageantry:  An Exploration of the roots and continuity of the Swedish celebration, Lucia.

Curated by Professor Juliet Wunsch, Department of Theatre and Dance, West Chester University

PRESS RELEASE

 Glimmar I Mörkret

Glimmer in the Darkness

An Exploration of the Roots and Continuity of the Swedish Celebration:  Lucia

An Exhibit in the Knauer Art Gallery West Chester University

March 3rd-April 3rd, Monday through Friday 8am-4pm

Opening Reception:  Thursday April 5th, 4pm.

FREE to the public.

VISITOR INFORMATION:

The Knauer Art Gallery is located in the Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center:

817 S. High St., West Chester PA.  

There is a large parking lot (M Lot) located directly behind the building.  

It can be accessed by turning onto E. Campus Drive from either S.High Street or S. Matlock Street.

You may park in the flat open lot or in the adjacent 3 story parking garage. 

Enter through the main doors of the Swope Music Building (shaped like a grand piano).

The Knauer Gallery is on the ground floor to the right… next to the Presser Music Library.

(There is ample space for passenger drop off/pick up directly in front of the main entrance).

EXHIBIT INFORMATION:

A crown of lighted candles, little red elves, goats made of straw…  What do these items represent, and why are they important?

The Swedish Christmas celebration of Saint Lucia has its roots in 4th century Sicilian legend, ancient Roman culture, Viking culture and Catholic observances.  Lucia today is known as “the bringer of light.”

The legend originated in the 4th century. Celebrations in private households were occurring as early as 1764. The first public Lucia pageant was held in 1893. It is now a significant part of Swedish culture. Why did such an old legend take on such a strong life?  Lucia became associated with light in darkness, charity, community, purity and hope.  Newspapers and cultural movements embraced the symbolic white gown, the red sash, the crown of lighted candles. Public performances became popular in annual school, church and social events.

How did this celebration evolve and fare in the US? 

·      Settlers in the 17th century brought homeland traditions of church and family to ensure a good future harvest.

·      The 18th century and early 19th centuries saw an influx of immigrants who brought unique cultural experiences, but also the need be recognized as Americans. This led to the development of a new Christmas experience.

·      Social gaps divided families as the desire to assimilate was in conflict with traditions of the older generation.

·      Late 20th century shifts in social empathy and awareness led to a rediscovery of traditional values: the elements of pageantry and symbolism that heighten and enhance community.

This exhibit, Glimma I Mörkret (Glimmer in the Darkness), explores the implications of cultural reinterpretation. Through the history of Swedish Lucia and the evolution of a Christmas experience, it invites you to reflect on your own traditions.

With Special Thanks to the following contributors:

West Chester University:  The Provost Research Grant Team (PRG), The Sabbatical Leave Committee (SaLe), The College of Arts and Humanities Dean Team, The Department of Theatre and Dance, The Department of Art and Design, The School of Music. 

The American Swedish Historical Museum (Tracey Beck, Brett Peters, Lauren Burnham, Ellie Gorman and Dawn Gould),  The Swedish Colonial Society (Joseph Mathews and Dr. Kim-Eric Williams)  Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Episcopal Church (Rev. Chris Mickelwright, Carol Jenkins and Elizabeth Keene), Old Swedes Historic Site Wilmington DE (Betsy V. Christopher), The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society (Lynn Knotts, Elisabeth Hollman and Sonja Robson), Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church NJ (Rev. Ellen Rutherford, Bob Fritz and Laurie Miles), the Lower Swedish Cabin (George Ambrose), Ewa Danielsson,  Åsa Mattsson , Brita Strandberg, Anna-Lotta Elg, Mikael Sundin, Hans-Göran Ankarcrona, Interim Associate Dean Michael Boyle, Lauren Kuerschner, Timothy Renick, The Verrekia Family,  Barbara Mae Wunsch, Korey Wunsch and Karen Zapf Hampel.

This exhibit was inspired by the people who promote, celebrate and educate people on Swedish traditions.  

This video shares some of that story.  It is my hope to continue to expand this section with more stories.

OVERVIEW:  The Exhibit Contains Several Components:

1.  Entrance Experience:  Tree and Crafting Corner &  Home Decor (Celebratory elements found in the home)

2.   Swedish Traditions Today (Sweden, Finland and Local)

3.  Evolution of Christmas and Swedish Traditions (Looking at the origins of the Christmas Tree, Santa Clause and the Evolution of the Practice of Lucia)

4.  Local Celebrations of Lucia in PA, NJ and DE

5.  An Immersive Pageantry Experience

REFLECTION CORNER:  The Immersive Pageantry Experience

Desk and Traditions Presented through Contemplation and Reflection.  Desk to meditate on the evolution of traditions and how they support community today.  Mirrors that embed you in the processional world.

Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church, Swedesboro NJ

Lucia Children's Pageant

History of the Sankta Lucia Children’s Pageant

Trinity Episcopal “Old Swedes” Church

Swedesboro NJ

Imagine you live in the early 4th century… you are poor or homebound and no one reaches out to help you.  You are a castoff, rejected by society and in need of food and drink.  A young Christian girl uses her family money to purchase and bring you food and drink.  She goes out in the dark to bring this to you so that you may survive.  The only way she can carry the food is by wearing a wreath of candles on her head.  You, my friends in the pews, are the poor and sick.  Watch for the girl, the one who will help you make it through the night.  Laurie Miles, coordinator.

This is an old Scandinavian tradition that features Tomte, the Swedish Santa, the Star Boys who tell of the Wise Men, and Sankta Lucia herself, who wears a crown of candle lights as she carries her tray of saffron buns. She symbolically heralds the return of light to the earth on the darkest day of the year and the beginning of the Christmas season. The Sunday School and additional local school children play the roles with help from the adults.

Historically an annual tradition, it was renewed again December 2025.

“Planning and organizing the Sankta Lucia celebration taught me about an important saint and time in history.  Lucia's faith, courage, stubborness and strength of character inspire me to work harder at living my faith.”

-- Laurie Miles, Event Coordinator

Information provided by:  Trinity Episcopal “Old Swedes” Church

Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Episcopal Church, Philadelphia

Lucia Fest

 Lucia Fest at Gloria Dei Od Swedes’ Episcopal Church

Philadelphia, PA

The Lucia Fest at Gloria Dei weaves together a number of Swedish holiday traditions into a colorful musical pageant. The heart of the celebration is the Lucia procession, in which a young woman is joined by other female members of the household in taking hot coffee and a warm Lucia bun to all the residents of the home. She comes crowned with candles, dressed in white, singing her traditional song,

At Gloria Dei Church the celebration is held within the walls constructed by Swedish settlers in 1699-1700, in the beauty of candlelight, with a large entourage of young girls joining her in song and procession. For many people, participation in the Lucia Fest is a unique way of marking the beginning of the holiday season.  Before, during and after each of the presentations, the St. Eric’s Fair, a Christmas bazaar that specializes in Scandinavian imports, is held in the Parish Hall that adjoins the Church.

Gloria Dei’s Lucia Fest was created by Astrid Perry (Astrid Katarina Person Perry) who was the first Lucia at Lucia Fest, a diving horse lady at Steel Pier and a masseuse with famous clients like Liberace, Gypsy Rose Lee, Al Capone and the King of Sweden.  Astrid was born in Nybergtorp Vedervåga, Sweden in 1907. Her mother emigrated to the United States while Astrid was still a child, leaving her daughter with grandparents in Lindesberg, Sweden. In August of 1922 Astrid traveled alone, at the age of 14, to the United States, on the vessel Stockholm, to join her mother. She became a U.S. citizen on Jan. 11, 1934.  Astrid was the instigator and creator of Lucia Fest and played the role of Lucia each December for many years. As the Lucia Fest became increasingly more successful, she stepped down, encouraging young girls and boys to take it on, learn to sing the Swedish songs, and present the story to new and old audiences. Astrid possessed a wonderful voice and was a faithful member of the choir for many years as well. Plus, she cooked and baked and organized many dinners, banquets, receptions, and events at Old Swedes’.

We are pleased to be able to present Astrids’ original Lucia tea kettle as part of this exhibit.

“What I love about Lucia is skipping down the aisle, seeing my friends, practicing songs and …cookies.”

Child from “What Lucia Means to Me” Covid Year

Information provided by Gloria Dei

https://www.old-swedes.org/traditions/lucia-fest-and-st-eric-s-fair

https://preserveoldswedes.org/astrid-perry/

St. James (Old Swedes) Church Kingsessing Philadelphia

The American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia

Lucia Fest

History of Lucia Fest

The American Swedish Historical Museum

Philadelphia, PA

Light, warmth and Christmas songs have been hallmarks of the Lucia celebration at ASHM since 1939. Each year, families pour through the magnificent bronze doors of the museum to be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries, meatball dishes and strong Swedish coffee. Stroll through the Christmas Market, or Julmarknad, where Swedish delicacies, crafts, decorations, and imported gifts may be purchased, before the musical entertainment begins. The Swedish Christmas Café will also be selling your favorite sweet and savory holiday foods.          

At 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, the lights dim, and the doors close for the duration of a performance of Swedish Christmas songs and dances, which are sure to warm your heart in the cold of winter. Children from toddlers to teens dressed in costume entertain the crowds, culminating with the procession of Lucia, wearing her crown of candles, surrounded by her white gowned attendants and star boys. This long-standing event is sure to warm your heart and become a part of your family’s holiday tradition.

“The entire 20,000-square-foot museum was kitted out for the occasion, with galleries transformed into Christian markets selling Swedish handicrafts and traditional baked goods, and the grand central staircase serving as the stage for Lucia processions.”

Ingrid K. Williams, Dec 5, 2023

“Every Christmas, my mother, my father, my three siblings and I would don our Swedish apparel and head to the museum where I was initially a tomte, then a dancer, a Lucia attendant, and finally Lucia. It was a family event, with my mother playing piano, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles… all involved, taking pictures, and having fun.”  

Juliet Wunsch, Exhibit Coordinator/Designer, March 3, 2026 

Information provided by:  The American Swedish Historical Museum Philadelphia

https://www.americanswedish.org/node/152

Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington DE

The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, Lucia Fest

Lucia Fest at Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington DE

The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society at

the Old Swedes Foundation/History Site

Celebrating Lucia 1977 to Present

1976 December 12

o   Mr. and Mrs. Willis Harrigton graciously open their home for a mini-Lucia party.

o   Each participant brought a Swedish Dish

o   Frank Hagrid made his famous glögg

o   An exchange student from Sweden portrayed Lucia

1977 December 3

o   A festive Lucia Christmas party was held in the Grille of the Hotel DuPont

o   110 members and guests attended

o   The party featured a group of Swedish folk dancers from New York, complete with violin, piano, guitar and a female vocalist

o   A Swedish smorgasbord was prepared by the hotel chefs

o   Frank Hagrid made the glogg using a secret recipe from Sweden

o   Maria Hedlin, a Swedish exchange student, played the role of Lucia:  wearing the traditional crown of evergreens with candles.

1978  December 10

o   An overflow crowd of 250 spectators attended the first Lucia celebration held in Old Swedes Church.

o   The holiday season celebration featured music and lights in commemoration of Lucia

o   Ann Marie Meckler dressed in a long white dress with a crown, trimmed with greens and lighted candles on her head led the procession down the aisle.

This annual event at Old Swedes Church would soon become one of the most popular traditions of the society.

“Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Lucia.

I’m really glad I can do it.  To me, it’s really Sweden.”

Eva Swanberg, a Swedish exchange student and Lucia attendant, 1978.

Information provided by:  Lynn Knotts, President of the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society

The Lower Swedish Cabin, Swedish Christmas

Drexel Hill, PA  

The only remaining log cabin of its type, among several once located on Darby Creek.  Evidently built by Swedish settlers who came to this area after 1638.  Used by the early Philadelphia filmmaker:  Siegmund Lubin, as the site for several pre-1910 motion pictures.  

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 1989

SWEDISH TRADITIONS TODAY  (Sweden, Finland and Local)

Photo Album/Flip Through Pages:    Swedish Traditions Today (Sweden, Finland and Local)

THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS and SWEDISH TRADITIONS    (ORANGE TEXT empasize impact of content)

• Looking at the origins of the Christmas Tree, Santa Clause and the Evolution of the Practice of Lucia

Photo Album/Flip Through Pages

ENTRANCE EXPERIENCE:

• Tree and Crafting Corner &  Home Decor (Celebratory elements found in the home)