The annual Festival of St. Lucia will begin the Christmas season on campus in Swedish custom on Thursday, Dec 7.
The Swedish tradition has been celebrated on campus since 1941.
The Festival celebrates a long, Swedish tradition. It surrounds the story of a young woman from the third century named Lucia who was killed for her faith.
The Swedish legend says that after her death, Lucia showed up in Sweden and brought food and clothing to the people in the village.
The festival celebrates bringing light and service into the lives of other people.
“This festival highlights the many lights that we have on campus and brings some positivity into a world filled with darkness,” Junior Alicia Lhotka said.
It takes many people working together to make the festival run smoothly.
The Guild of St. Lucia, made up of Senior women, helped plan the festival.
The Lucia singers choir will perform, and the chaplains and the past Lucia will pass off the torch to the newly crowned Lucia.
The court of St. Lucia will be there to accompany the St. Lucia that is crowned.
There will also be cute “star children” to keep with the traditions of the Swedish celebration.
Many Gusties, professors, family members, and people from the Saint Peter community walk through the chapel doors each year to attend the event.
“It definitely takes a village to put on this festival!” Junior Emma Myhre said.
The day will begin with the St. Lucia Court singing carols throughout the residence halls on campus starting at five in the morning.
At 10:00 a.m. the whole Gustavus and St. Peter community is invited to attend a free service in Christ Chapel which will feature singing by the Lucia Singers choir.
It will also feature the Lucia Court, and the previous year’s St. Lucia, Alicia Lhotka, who will provide a homily during the service.
The homily will be about being a light to the world.
“Being a part of the fun and meaningful traditions that surround this festival is unbelievable and something that I am so grateful for and wouldn’t trade for anything,” Lhotka said.
The court is chosen by a two-step process.
Five to six sophomore women are chosen by their peers each year for displaying qualities of service to others, courageous leadership, strength of character, and compassion.
The campus votes, and the top three nominees are placed on the court.
The Guild of St. Lucia then selects up to three more women from the nominations to join the court.
Finally, one woman is chosen to be St. Lucia which is a great honor and the main focus of the festival.
“These women bring light to others. Being crowned the 2015 St. Lucia was an unforgettable experience. It was an extraordinary honor to be recognized for my courage, leadership, andcompassion. To know that I was bringing light to others lives meant so much to me. It helped me see my purpose within the Gustavus community,” Senior, Avery Bather said.
This tradition on campus is very special to the many people who take part.
“This Gustavus tradition will forever hold a special place in my heart. I feel incredibly honored to be associated with such strong, loving women leaders,” Bather said.
Each year the festival draws in past Lucias from previous years allowing for current court members and Lucias to hear about how their experiences compare to each other.
“It’s so incredible to look at the long history of the celebration at Gustavus and see how it’s evolved. Last year, we were able to meet past women on the Lucia court and talk to them about how this tradition has changed their lives,” Myhre said.
If you are unable to attend the service in person but want to experience it, you can tune into the live stream which will also be archived.
Following the service, the Gustavus Library Associates (GLA) is hosting a Scandinavian smörgåsbord luncheon and program.
GLA members were mailed invitations in mid-October and tickets went on sale in early November.
Those who choose to attend the festival have a lot to expect.
“Expect a beautiful celebration of light. Expect a real crown of flames. Expect beautiful and strong women to be recognized for the glowing lights that they are on campus. Expect to be inspired. Expect a full chapel,” Lhotka said.
