Since 1941 Gustavus has formally celebrated the Swedish tradition of St. Lucia. Swedish legend says that Lucia appeared in Sweden during a famine and provided food. Each year the campus chooses five sophomore women who represent the qualities of Lucia: leadership, service, charity, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Part of the Gustavus tradition has the Lucia court go caroling in the residence halls starting at 5:00 a.m. on the day of the Festival of St. Lucia.