Shining Light into Darkness – by Ruth Bonetti

Last Sunday, the third Advent candle was lit in churches to speak of joy. But have you ever wondered at candles on Christmas cards? How can Australians relate to the  light without living through a northern hemisphere winter? During interminable long winters, where the sun straggles out for a few hours before retreating, we learned the significance of solstice light. 

We first celebrated St Lucia Day in Sweden. Scandinavian countries, including Swedish speaking Finland, celebrate St Lucia day on 13 December, drawing on the Italian St Lucia.  Hear my own memories in a narration of Burn my Letters:

St. Lucia was killed by the Romans in 304AD because of her Christian beliefs. It’s told that she secretly brought food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who hid in catacombs under the city. She wore candles on her head so that she could keep both of her hands free to carry food. It is also from the Italian Lucia that the Scandinavian Lucia gets her red satin belt from portraying Saint Lucia’s blood, and representing her sacrifice.

On my first European tour, we members of Queensland Youth Orchestra arrived in Rome. After a tantalising glimpse of the Coliseum, we visited catacombs. Did I tread similar paths on St Lucia's beat? 

I hoped to replicate St Lucia Day celebrations for my grandchildren (especially lovely Luca whose name means light and who is fascinated by light. As am I. My first name, Helen, means light.) I was rather relieved when the family pleaded December=BUSY! Wake up at 4am to usher in the sun and guests with coffee, fresh baked saffron buns and mulled wine? Get real. 

Solution:

Attend a celebration on the Saturday night before, hosted by Swedes Downunder.

Back in 1995

We drove three young sons through the arctic winter in a campervan. (Crazy brave, non?) Its heating expired at the first snowfall but we were warmed by interludes in snug beds, enjoying hospitality from friends and family across Europe. Rarely did a Jingle Bell jar.  (My allergy to Jingle Bells abated when playing it with Noosa Orchestra and the sassy Kitty Kats vocal trio.)

 

Along the way we enjoyed many Advent music concerts, especially a sung Christmas Eve mass in Oberammergau. There, my spirit craved a Bavarian wood carving, despite our straightened budget. 

While living near the Arctic Circle, I collected wood-carved nativity scenes, birch bark stars and angels.

Another tantalising thought:

Was my grandfather, WA Back, drawn to develop a sizeable part of the Brisbane suburb, St Lucia, because of his childhood memories? Read all about that in The Art Deco Mansion in St Lucia. 

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Light, begins an eight-day celebration on 18 December. Whatever your faith, consider:

What light can you shed on this Christmas season?

How will you bring the Light of the World into your writing this Christ-mass season? 

Ruth BONETTI lived seven years in Europe, two in Sweden. There she imbibed her Finland-Swede heritage and was blessed with a treasure trove of letters, parish records and stories. One planned book grew into the Midnight Sun to Southern Cross trilogy. In this, she weaves discoveries of her forbears with her own journey in life and music. 

Email Ruth for information about her January Writing Life Stories webinar and for mentoring. 

Website for autographed copies (books sure beat sox for Christmas gifts!)

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Audio book: Speak Out–Don't Freak Out