Learn about St. Lucia at the December meeting of the Scandinavian Club.
Lyle Replogle
The Scandinavian Club of Southeast Valley started the new season with a catered dinner at Sun Lakes Country Club in the Arizona Room on November 15. Our speaker was Avis Jorgenson, author of Early Danish Pioneers: Southern Arizona Territorial Days. It was a wonderful evening learning about those Scandinavians who came to Arizona so many years ago. We so soon seem to forget about those who suffered so much to make this land into the one that we enjoy today.
We plan to continue with programs on our heritage in December as we present the story of St. Lucia. St. Lucia is celebrated by Scandinavians each year on December 13. Who was she? Is there a connection to the pre-Christian holiday of Jol’ and Lussi night? Why is she clad in a white gown and why does she wear a wreath on her head with candles? When did the Scandinavians first recognize St. Lucia?
After learning about the tradition of St. Lucia we will watch a video on the celebration of St. Lucia in Sweden. The procession of young people with one girl elected to portray Lucia at the head and all holding a candle as they proceed singing the Neapolitan song Saint Lucia.
There will also be a celebration of the season with songs of Christmas throughout the evening. We will have an opportunity to sing along with some of our favorites. We might even try to sing along in the native Scandinavian language.
The December meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. with an open bar social hour with the sounds of Christmas. As always, there will be pickled herring with crackers and cheese for those who cherish this Scandinavian delight. At 6:00 p.m. two entrees will be offered with our catered dinner. The meal is $15 ($20 for non-members) and includes potatoes and a vegetable plus a roll and salad. To top it off there will be good hot coffee and dessert. Our St. Lucia program will begin at 7:00 p.m. Plan to come and celebrate this wonderful time of the year with your Scandinavian friends. The club welcomes all who have an interest in Scandinavian heritage and history.
Dinner reservations are required. Sun Lakes Country Club needs to know in advance how many dinners to prepare for the evening. One can make reservations on our website at scanclubsev.weebly.com. Once you are on our home page look for “Click Here” under Make Your Reservation for December. Simply fill in the required information and click on Submit. The deadline for December reservations is end of day on Tuesday, December 8.
You can also make a reservation for December by calling Sue Jordan at 480-895-5691. To be notified of future club activity by e-mail, please send yours to us at [email protected].