Grace LaTourelle-
Gustavus Adolphus College was founded in 1862 and christened in 1876 by Swedish Lutheran immigrants. Thus, the school honors its founders’ heritage by participating in Swedish traditions and services. Among the cultural traditions is the Festival of St. Lucia, which has been celebrated at Gustavus since 1941. This year’s Festival of St. Lucia will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.
In Swedish custom, the Festival of St. Lucia marks the Christmas season annually on Dec. 13. Lucia was an Italian woman who devoted her life to God. She aimed to use her dowry to help the poor but was ultimately alerted to authorities for her Christian beliefs and died a martyr. Swedish legend illustrates a woman “clothed in white and crowned with light” appearing on the shore of Varmland, Sweden, helping the poor and hungry during a famine; this event followed her death, yet the woman was said to be Lucia.
Lucia, whose name literally translated to light, exemplified being a light to others. Gustavus honors Lucia with the Court of St. Lucia, composed of six Sophomore women. The students chosen should reflect the qualities and legacy of Lucia: courage, leadership, service, strength, and compassion. The court is solidified through campus nomination, an ensuing vote by Sophomore women, and finally further nominations by the Guild of St. Lucia, a Senior honors society.
St. Lucia is represented at the festival by one Sophomore woman, elected from the Court of St. Lucia. The Court all wear white robes, a red sash, and a wreath crown to pay tribute to Lucia. However, the chosen St. Lucia will have lit candles adorning her crown to encapsulate the ‘light’ aspect of the tradition. Current Junior Cristina Sirbu was the 2022 festival’s St. Lucia.
“For me, being St. Lucia meant a new beginning and a new opportunity to start anew,” Sirbu said. “On the day of celebration, I did not sleep all night so I used that moment to reflect on the things that I was grateful for throughout my time at Gustavus and what was to come in the future.”
Being a light, as outlined by the criteria for the Court of St. Lucia, can be portrayed in many ventures. Current Senior and St. Lucia 2021 Abby Joy Neptun along with Sirbu both highlighted the importance of volunteering and serving the community. The event is also celebratory of the Sophomore women and their role and presence within the Gustavus community.
“In a world where there are so many labels and standards that women have to uphold, it’s nice to have a festival dedicated to recognizing a group of women who are doing amazing things,” Neptun said.
The festival of St. Lucia has components taking place throughout the day on Dec. 7. The events begin with the Court of St. Lucia singing carols through residence halls. Following this is a ceremony taking place in Christ Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Finally, there will be a luncheon and program in Alumni Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reservations for the luncheon program are necessary. Tickets cost 30 dollars and are available for purchase on the Gustavus website.
The luncheon will be a Swedish Smorgasbord with guest speaker, Gustavus Alum, Meghan Krause ‘00. Krause’s presentation is entitled ‘Creating your Purpose-Powered Life’. The workshop will be centered around harnessing the power of purpose.
“In the spirit of the Festival of St. Lucia, a time-honored celebration of light triumphing over darkness, my presentation takes on a special resonance. Purpose isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have,” Krause explained.
St. Lucia exemplified the sense of purpose with her serving attitude towards the poor and in need. Thus, Krause will explain the nature of purpose and how it impacts Gusties.
“Purpose is the engine that propels us forward, nurturing our self-concept, supporting our health, and enriching the lives we touch…understanding and embracing purpose can be a lifeline that becomes one of the most clarifying and affirming ways to get unstuck and reorienting us toward service,” Krause said.
Ultimately, St. Lucia represents light, service, and the Christmas season. All students are welcome to attend the Chapel service and luncheon program to celebrate.
Moreover, the advisor of the festival, Barb Taylor, raised the question, “Why is this still something we should be celebrating now?” Taylor, as well as Krause recognized the broader connection to all Gusties as well as the historical connection and tradition of Gustavus’s uplifting and empowering women.
“This festival is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women,” Krause said.
Neptun commented on the theme of women empowerment as well. “… [I]t’s a great way to uplift a group of girls who deserve all of the recognition. The girls on the court are so deserving of honor and respect in this role, and people should come and recognize their amazing work and character.”
While this event honors the Court, the Gustavus community is also encouraged to introspectively reflect and practice gratitude.
“This event is meant for a time of stillness and peacefulness,” Sirbu commented. “…try to access that mindset of gratefulness and stillness, use that time to reflect on someone that was a light in your life and reflect on their goodness…”
There’s a Swedish children’s song, Sankta Lucia, in which the lyrics say: “Mörkret ska flykta snart ur jordens dalar så hon ett underbart ord till oss talar. Dagen ska åter ny stiga ur rosig sky Sankta Lucia, Sankta Lucia.”
This translates to “Darkness shall take flight soon, From earth’s valleys. So she speaks Wonderful words to us: A new day will rise again From the rosy sky… Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!”
Gusties are welcome to celebrate the holiday in any way they can and recognize the broader impacts the tradition has on their community and lives.
“The whole Lucia legend is built around the concept of light within darkness. I think the whole idea of trying to bring light as in bringing hope or bringing something positive into challenge…or dark times…I think that is a message that is wonderful for us to hear every single year,” Taylor said.