Gustavus Adolphus College

The 2006 Gusatvus Lucia Court (l to r) Gretchen Libbey, Hannah Wunsch, Kristin Mummert, Holly Andersen, and Delphine Broccard.

During Gustavus Adolphus College’s 66th annual Festival of St. Lucia, to be held Thursday, Dec. 7, one sophomore and four of her classmates will be selected to serve as St. Lucia and the Lucia Court.

They are selected based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, and involvement in community service. Each year since 1941, a St. Lucia and court have been named at Gustavus. The tradition is celebrated to commemorate the courage shown by St. Lucia who, according to legend, was put to death for being Christian and helping the poor.

On Dec. 13 in homes throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia — preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise while singing.
Wearing a crown of lighted candles, Lucia represents the return of light that will end the long winter nights and serves as a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season.

The annual celebration at the Swedish-founded college features early morning caroling by St. Lucia and her court, a ceremony to crown St. Lucia in Christ Chapel, a traditional Scandinavian Smorgasbord, and a holiday bake sale.