Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of Traditions is to promote, encourage, and preserve the spirit of Traditions on campus. At Bryn Mawr, the passage of the seasons is marked by a cycle of rituals that celebrate the College community with symbolic pageantry. To many Bryn Mawr students, the College’s traditions are more than entertaining, colorful spectacles that divert participants from the intensity of study; they are ceremonial enactments of common values that help create a sense of community.
Section 2: Major Traditions
Subsection A: Parade Night Parade Night celebrates the completion of the first week of classes. The first step sing of the year is held the Friday night at the end of the first week.
Subsection B: Lantern Night First-years receive their lanterns (in their class color) and the second step sing of the year follows the ceremony.
Subsection C: WTF (Welcome The First-Years) Week WTF Week takes place in the middle of February, but is preceded by first-years asking upperclassmen to be their Roses (and for them to be their buds, respectively) and to provide them with a humorous schedule for the events. The most individualized Tradition of all, WTF Week is where Bryn Mawr students are free to be silly, have fun and strengthen the bond between classes.
Subsection D: May Day This all-day celebration takes place on the Sunday after the last week of classes. The last step sing of the year is held that night.
Section 3: Minor Traditions
The major traditions are joined by countless minor traditions, such as presenting gift offerings to a sculpture of Athena and ringing the Taylor Hall bell when seniors’ final exams are finished.