Gustavus Adolphus College

The 2007 Lucia Court (l to r) Cathryn Nelson, Amara Berthelsen, Katelyn Johnson, Hayley O’Connell, and Chelsea Koepsell

St. Lucia’s crown traditionally features lighted candles.

Gustavus Adolphus College will celebrate its 67th annual Festival of St. Lucia on Thursday, Dec. 6. As part of the celebration, one sophomore and four of her classmates will be selected to serve as St. Lucia and the Lucia Court.

The five women are chosen based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, and service to the College and others as part of a tradition that dates back to 1941. This annual celebration is intended 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 by 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 Gustavus features early morning caroling by St. Lucia and her court, a service to crown St. Lucia in Christ Chapel, and a traditional Swedish Smörgasbord featuring musician and 1987 alumnus Brian Wicklund. The public is invited to the free 10 a.m. Chapel service.