A Swedish holiday tradition that celebrates light during winter’s darkness was held in southeast Iowa this past weekend, and featured a Pella High School student in the center of it all.

The Swedesburg Heritage Society held the presentation of the new Saint Lucia and Christmas caroling at the Swedesburg Parish Hall. This year’s Saint Lucia was Josie Settles.

Josie is the daughter of a former Saint Lucia, Joanna Settles, and her sister Jema portrayed the 2023 version, as well.

The family is involved in the Swedesburg, Iowa, museum, as Josie and Jema’s grandmother is the current director.

The celebration of Saint Lucia dates back centuries and honors the legend of a young Christian martyr who brought food and hope to persecuted Christians in Rome during the dark days of winter.

Hear more about this tradition on the Let’s Talk Pella podcast.