Scandinavian Celebrations At Swedish Marque
The feast of Santa Lucia on December 13 signals the beginning of Christmas celebrations in Sweden where for generations, the Swedish people mark the evening throughout the country with processions of children dressed in traditional costumes singing traditional Christmas songs. The children bring with them warm beverages and buns on a cold winter night in celebration of the life of this young saint who was known for her kindness and dedication towards the poor.
As part of its quest to bring new and delightfully different experiences to its customers, Swedish Marque the new Volvo dealer in Kuala Lumpur today recreated the Santa Lucia feast day celebrations in its showroom in Sungai Besi. The evening was complete with the procession of young children dressed in traditional costumes making their way through the car showroom singing Swedish Christmas songs.
His Excellency the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia Mr Bruno Beijer who graced the event, gave the 250 guests made up of Swedish Marque customers, business associates, the regional management team from the Premier Automotive Group (PAG) Asia and staff of Volvo Car Malaysia a fascinating insight to the celebration of this special evening that has been celebrated throughout Sweden for over a thousand years.
Apart from the heart-warming renditions of Christmas songs by the children led by Linda Goransson who took on the role of Lucia, guests were treated to very traditional Swedish Christmas fare including Lucia buns or Lussekatter, smoked salmon and Glogg or mulled wine. The evening was then punctuated with the lighting of the Christmas candles and the Christmas trees giving the car showroom a special warm glow.
In his welcoming address earlier in the evening, Swedish Marque General Manager Pang Cheong Yan said that the Santa Lucia celebrations were as much about bringing an integral part of the Swedish tradition to Malaysians as it was about sharing with the less fortunate.
“Being purveyors of one of Sweden’s finest exports, it is appropriate that we bring a delightful celebration that is an integral part of the Swedish tradition to Malaysians as a foretaste of the celebrations of the season,” said Pang.
Equally important he added was that the programme benefited over 150 children in four children’s homes who would receive a gift from invited guests.
“Santa Lucia was probably best remembered for her generosity towards those who were less fortunate and tonight it is indeed heartwarming to note that there will be some children who will have a delightful Christmas thanks to our guests,” he added.
The children from four homes namely Rumah Keluarga Kami, Shelter Home, Trinity Children’s Home and WAO will be feted to a tea party at Swedish Marque next week where the gifts will be distributed to the children.
