The history of saffron buns

Lussekatter, also known as Lussebullar, are sweet saffron buns deeply rooted in Swedish Christmas tradition. They are traditionally eaten on 13 December, St Lucia’s Day, one of the most important winter celebrations in Scandinavia, particularly in cities such as Stockholm, Uppsala and Lund.

The symbolic origins of these buns date back to the Middle Ages, when Christianity was already established in Sweden and the cult of Saint Lucia of Syracuse — a Christian martyr who died in AD 304 — became integrated into local winter solstice festivities. Under the Julian calendar, used in Sweden until 1753, 13 December roughly coincided with the longest night of the year, reinforcing its ritual significance.

The use of saffron in Lussekatter is no coincidence. In medieval Europe, this spice was associated with light, purity and protection against evil, and was considered a prestigious ingredient reserved for special occasions. Swedish sources from the 17th century already mention saffron being used in festive breads prepared for religious and family celebrations during the winter.

The characteristic "S" shape, known as julgalten or lussekatt, also has symbolic roots. Some theories, supported by Nordic ethnographic studies, suggest that this serpentine form originally represented pagan beliefs linked to winter spirits, later reinterpreted within a Christian framework as a symbol of protection against darkness.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Lussekatter evolved from an occasional ritual bread into a regular household bake associated with St Lucia’s Day. It was during this period that the enriched dough with butter, sugar and raisins became widespread, coinciding with improved access to imported ingredients through Swedish maritime trade.

Today, Lussekatter are an integral part of Swedish Christmas baking and are prepared both at home and by artisan bakeries across the country. Their modern recipe reflects centuries of cultural, religious and culinary evolution, making them one of Scandinavia’s most recognisable festive buns and a luminous symbol of the beginning of Christmas.