Ljuskrona

Carl Larsson: "Julaftonen" (akvarell, 1904-05) Ljustaken on table to the right

Ljuskrona is a Swedish term for chandelier.

The literal translation of the word is "Light crown." The term is currently used to describe both the chandelier itself, and the Christmas traditions surrounding the creation and use of ljuskrona. Originally found in Sweden during Jul, this tradition was brought to the United States by Swedish immigrants. Ljuskrona have been found among people of Scandinavian descent since the early 1800s. The ljuskrona is a distinctive candle holder, which is wrapped in fringed paper. Ljuskrona have historically been made out of discarded materials and then covered with cut paper.[1] The paper is usually newspaper, wrapping paper or crepe paper in various colors. Although it is usually thought of as a secular tradition for the home, they are also found in some churches.

In 1988, the Folk Art section of the National Endowment for the Arts awarded a grant for the implementation of a survey to document the practices and styles extant in the United States.[2] The grant led to a traveling exhibition, which included eight styles and ten photo panels. A slide show of the styles and anomalies featured in the project was funded by the Kansas Humanities Council. The project documented approximately 300 ljuskrona, generally created in the Midwestern section of the United States. Oral interviews provided information about family gatherings to re-wrap the candle holders, the custom of lighting the candles on Christmas Eve and the occasional candle holder that caught on fire.

There are some areas of Sweden where the tradition still exists as a private family custom.

The term ljuskrona has been used in the United States to describe both ljuskrona (lit. "light crowns", chandeliers) and ljustaken (lit. “light stakes”, candelabras) even though, technically, one is a ceiling-mounted light fixture and the other a standing light fixture. Some families will refer to the paper-wrapped candle holders as julstaken, julkrona, jul tradet, or simply Swedish Christmas trees, regardless of whether the object sits or hangs. The type and color of paper used appears to be a personal family decision, with some preference given to decisions made in previous years. Ten distinct styles have been found in the United States at present. There is some correlation with the style that was predominant in the area of Sweden from which the family originated. Four methods of cutting the paper are found in the United States,[3] with variations such as curling, using pinking shears or cutting two colors together to give a variegated effect. Ljuskrona are taken out from their hiding place on December 13, St. Lucia Day. At that time, repairs or a complete re-wrapping will take place. Usually the mother or oldest child teaches the younger ones how to “decorate” the ljuskrona.

The ljuskrona is put away on St. Knut's Day, January 13, as are all of the other Christmas decorations. Some rural families burn the Christmas tree that night.

Carl Larsson Christmas Morning 1894 Ljustaken on table on right rear of this painting

Public collections

The Nordic Museum of Stockholm, in Sweden, houses models and photographs of Ljuskrona. In the United States, Ljuskrona exist in the collections of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, Washington; the Illinois Historical Museum in Henry County; the Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum in Bishop Hill Colony, Illinois; the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in Lindsborg, Kansas; and Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

References

  1. ↑ The Clarion Vol.15, no.5 page 49, (winter 1990/1991)
  2. ↑ National Endowment for the Arts 1988 Annual Report
  3. ↑ Traditions Swedish Ljuskrona, page 7 - Instructions

Further reading