The Festival of Saint Lucia
The Festival of St. Lucia, which is traditionally celebrated on December 13, begins the Christmas season in Swedish custom.
According to Swedish legend, a ship carrying a maiden "clothed in white and crowned with light" appeared on the shore in Värmland during a great famine. The maiden, widely believed to be Lucia, distributed food and clothing to the needy, thus endearing herself to the Swedish people. As a school founded by Swedish immigrants, the Gustavus Adolphus College community has found it appropriate to celebrate some Swedish traditions.
Traditionally at Gustavus a St. Lucia Court sings carols through the residence halls starting at 5 a.m., there is a service in Christ Chapel, and a luncheon following sponsored by the Friends of the Library - Gustavus Library Associates.
2020 St. Lucia Festival was virtual. Watch it here.