Gustavus Adolphus College celebrated its annual Festival of St. Lucia on Th
ursday, December 8 in Christ Chapel. The service was followed by a traditional Swedish Smorgasbord in Alumni Hall.
As part of this seasonal tradition, six sophomore women were chosen to serve on the Lucia court. This year’s court consisted of Elena Gotlick of Rockford, IL; Daniella Habib of Providence, RI; Alicia Lhotka of Eden Prairie, MN; Emma Myhre of Lake Okoboji, IA; Keliyah Perkins of Minnepolis, MN; and Prabhjot Singh of Rochester, MN. The women are chosen based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, charity, kindness, and service to the College and others. Lhotka (back row left) was selected as St. Lucia 2016.
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