Glimma 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

 Glimma 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.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS of LUCIA (PA, NJ and DE):

• Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church, Swedesboro NJ

• Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Episcopal Church, Philadelphia

• St. James (Old Swedes) Church Kingsessing Philadelphia

• The American Swedish Historical Museum Philadelphia

• Holy Trinity Old Swedes Church Wilmington DE/Delaware Swedish Colonial Society

AND  Swedish Colonial Christmas Shared Locally at:

• The Lower Swedish Cabin Drexel Hill and 

• The Old Swedes Foundation/Historic Site in Wilmington DE

Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church, Swedesboro NJ

Lucia Children's Pageant

Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Episcopal Church, Philadelphia

Lucia Fest

St. James (Old Swedes) Church Kingsessing Philadelphia

The American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia

Lucia Fest

Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington DE, 

The Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, Lucia Fest

Photo Album/Flip Through Pages:  PROGRAMS, PHOTOS and HISTORY of LOCAL LUCIA PAGEANTS. 

(Images TBD)

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  

• 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)