With the first years quickly settling in and finishing up their first few weeks of classes, it’s time to explore a very important part of Bryn Mawr: the traditions. Bryn Mawr’s traditions are a rich part of its history but can also be very confusing, so here’s a quick guide!
Photo courtesy of Devin Stein
The Mugging
This tradition takes place in the auditorium where first years receive mugs in their class color from the Alumnae Association. First years also use this time to vote on their class song, parody song and songs mistress/mister/mistx for the upcoming school year.
Parade Night
A parade from Erdman to Taylor Hall, this tradition is a celebration of completing the first week of classes. First years are introduced to their sister class and the first step sing of the year takes place.
Lantern Night
First years meet in the cloisters to receive their lanterns, a symbol of knowledge. The sophomores present the lanterns to the first years to symbolize knowledge being passed from one class to the next.
Welcome the First Years Week
A week in February where the upper class students and the first years get to know each other more closely and is the true welcoming of the first years to Bryn Mawr College.
May Day
On the Sunday after the last week of classes, there’s a college-wide event celebrating the Welsh origins of the college. On the evening before May Day, seniors leave gifts for juniors, sophomores, and first years outside their doors. If the gift you are given has been handed down to the senior before it was given to you, you must hand it down once you are a senior. Gifts that you receive that have not been handed down before, you may keep. Beginning with the senior class waking up the president of the college, there’s a parade followed by maypole dancing. Other activities include plays, a cappella concerts and a large concert on Merion green with a guest artist. The night is concluded with the final step sing of the year in front of Taylor Hall.