Gustavus Adolphus College will celebrate its 71st annual Festival of St. Lucia at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 in Christ Chapel. As part of this seasonal tradition, five sophomore women have been chosen to serve on the Lucia court.
This year’s court consists of Susan Crane of Des Moines, Iowa; Annalise Dobbelstein of Bemidji, Minn.; Elizabeth Johnson of Plymouth, Minn.; Ellen Krueger of Minnetonka, Minn.; and Jennifer Werness of Burnsville, Minn. The women are chosen based on courageous leadership, strength of character, service to others, and compassion.
The Festival of St. Lucia begins the Christmas season in Swedish custom and is traditionally held on December 13. On this day in Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise. 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.
At Gustavus, the St. Lucia Court traditionally sings carols in the College’s residence halls during the early morning on the day of the crowning. Lucia is chosen through a campus community vote, which will take place on Monday, Dec. 5, and Tuesday, Dec. 6.
A traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord luncheon will take place in Alumni Hall at 11 a.m. following the Festival of St. Lucia in Christ Chapel. The festival service is open to the public, and only a limited number of luncheon tickets remain. For more information contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at 507-933-7520.
This year’s Festival of St. Lucia can be seen via live streaming by clicking here.
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