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, IA; Annalise Dobbelstein of Bemidji, MN; Elizabeth Johnson of Plymouth, MN; Ellen Kruger of Minnetonka, MN; and Jennifer Werness of Burnsville, MN. The women are chosen based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, charity, kindness, and service to the College and others.
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.