Annual St Lucia Reception Lights the Way for Christmas

The Swedish Embassy in Tbilisi, with partners and sponsors Geocell, Oriflame and Ericsson, welcomed a variety of guests to their 4th annual St Lucia reception at the Funicular this week.

Children were welcomed by special guest Pepper, Geocell’s robot buddy, who danced and winked at the excited youngsters around him, and a magician, who kept them busy while the adults tucked in to the sumptuous Swedish-European buffet and spiced wine.

“The Lucia tradition is very old,” explained the Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Martina Quick. “It has survived through many centuries in shapes and forms changing and developing together with our society. And I think that shows how much Swedes love and need this special holiday. It takes place during the darkest and coldest time of the year. And it brings us light, warmth and goodness. Lucia herself stems from a pre-Christian goddess of light who fights and conquers the evil powers of darkness on the longest night of the year. She reminds us that darkness will not last forever and that light will return. Now, as we approach the end of this year which has in many respects been a dark year, with many fleeing war and disasters and terrorism, I think Lucia is even more welcome.”

Then came the traditional St Lucia Procession with both children and adults dressed in white with fir wreaths on their heads and candles in their hands. Together, they sang Swedish Christmas carols for the guests which, together with the giant tree, positive, loving atmosphere and the chocolate treats given to the children by the sponsoring companies, made for a very festive pre-Christmas treat indeed.

Katie Ruth Davies