In Sweden, Christmas lasts a whole month, from December 13 to January 13. King Canute declared this. This holiday celebrates the feast of St.Lucia. Nobody knows why Sweden picked St. Lucia only that some say she visited their country. It is said that Lucia gave food to the Christians who were in hiding because of pursecution. She did this wearing a wreath with candles on her head. After this it is said she was arrested and later executed for this. When they celebrate this time a woman dresses up like her wearing a white dress and red sash and a wreath with candles on her head. On Christmas Eve a Christmas gnome, called a tomte, comes to houses and leaves gifts like Santa Clause.
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