The ljuskrona (pronounced use-kroona) is a Swedish folk art candle holder. This tradition was brought to America by Swedish immigrants. Most were made from scraps of metal and/or wood found around the home. Some ljuskronor were dressed in looped or fringed paper. Others were trimmed with fresh greenery while some were left unwrapped. There is no known significance to the number of candles.
Today, some Swedish American families continue the practice of removing the ljuskrona from storage on December 13 (Saint Lucia Day) to begin the Christmas season. The candle holders are repaired and rewrapped and placed in the center of the dinner table where they remain until January 13 (Saint Knut’s Day).
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