Part of my ancestry is Nordic and during this time of year, like most pagan people, they have a tradition of making sun buns to start off the celebration of Christmas. Lucina has the same typical origin as a virgin martyr goddess who is a patron of maidens. In the town's that still celebrate this holiday is takes place on December 13th and young maidens dress in white wearing crowns that are topped by glowing white candles. Like most pagan holidays associated with this time of year the mythology is similar in story as winning over winter and returning the sun to the planet. They bake lussekatter, or saffron sun colored buns that are shaped into infinity symbols and other s-like runes along with cats. It is thought that the cats honor Freya's cats who pull her magical sled. And the buns which are very yellow represent Lucina's sun goddess nature. Later, the Catholics made her into a Saint and she was associated with protection vs. the evil eye as the story went that rather then giving up her virginity when a man commented on the beauty of her eyes she cut them out and sent them to him on a platter.

Here is a recipe for the buns.

LUSSEKATTER (light-cats)
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (add yellow food coloring if you don't have this ingredient)
8 ounces (1 cup) milk
1 tablespoon yeast
1/2 cup sugar
4 ounces (1 stick) butter
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1 beaten egg white for egg wash
Using a mortar and pestle, pound saffron threads to break down strands.

In a small saucepan, heat milk to lukewarm.

Mix yeast with 1/4 cup milk and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside.

On low heat, melt butter in saucepan with milk. Add crushed saffron. Let cool.

In large bowl, mix together flour salt and remaining sugar.

Stir yeast into cooled milk mixture. Mix into dry ingredients, beating to mix well. Add beaten eggs. Knead in bowl for 5 - 7 minutes. Turn onto floured board and knead another 7 - 8 minutes.

Put dough in lightly greased bowl, turn to coat all sides, cover and put in warm, draft-free place to rise for about 1 hour.

When dough has risen, knead lightly to push out air and divide into small pieces (about 10 - 12). Using the hands, roll each small piece into a strip about 8 - 10 inches long. Shape each strip into an 'S' or a figure 8. Place on lightly buttered cookie sheets.

Cover with clean cloth and let rise again until double in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

When dough has risen, brush lightly with egg white. Bake in preheated 375° F oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool on wire rack.

Yield: 10 - 12 buns

This is just one example, there are many recipes online. Don't forget to light a white candle and infuse the buns with the restoration powers of Lucina during cooking.

enjoy,
JB

mmmm thanks jb

Cool..sounds good and I like the other information about Freya.

I Like nice Bunns !

[wink]

I could crush a bowling ball with my buns.

hahahaha,
JB[grin]

Ooo! ÂÂ*Those sound great, JB!

They certainly do justice to Freya's two cats, considering they are named Bygul (Bee Gold = Honey) and Trjegul (Tree Gold = Amber.) ÂÂ* ÂÂ*

..... you got Photos of that ???

JayneBond wrote:

I could crush a bowling ball with my buns.

hahahaha,
JB

LOL Linn...you wish.
Bee-gold and Tree-gold...sound like two ex-gf I had hahaha Azra, nice throw in.

thanks,
JB

OMG............................... you got photo of That ????

JayneBond wrote:
LOL Linn...you wish.
Bee-gold and Tree-gold...sound like two ex-gf I had hahaha

thanks,
JB