The Hanging of the Greens
"The Hanging of the Greens is a living tradition, not a dead one remaining rigidly the same year after year, becoming as a result increasingly irrelevant, and finally ceasing to speak to anyone. A living tradition interacts with the developing beliefs and values of those who observe it and vice versa. While zeitgeists come and go, a reciprocal relationship endures between a living tradition and its observers: it shapes them, they it.
The Women's College respects the Hanging of the Greens as a living tradition so that those who come to our yearly celebration can be influenced by the shared beliefs and values of those dedicated to women's education here in the past and in the present and so that this ceremony and all it represents can shape those who will continue the tradition in the future."
Professor Cletus Keating, 1997
The above statement by Professor Keating of The Women's College, encapsulates the essence of the sentiments felt by the alumnae regarding this special tradition-this living tradition-of TheWomen's College.
How it Began:
Helen Shotwell-Bernard of the Colorado Women's College started the Hanging of the Greens ceremony in 1930. This assemblage is based upon the medieval practice in which the lord of the manor gathered all of his people to the main hall for an annual festive celebration.
Even though the gist of this annual event is jubilation, and the event has become theme driven to reflect the personalities of the generation and the beliefs of the times, The Women's College has always held true to Ms. Shotwell-Bernard's legacy of the hanging of a garland of greens by senior students. The Women's College has carried on this tradition of honoring students of senior status but also views this special evening as a time to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the entire The Women's College community-present students and alumnae-while sharing an evening of food and fun with family and friends.
The Tradition Lives On:
Our memories-as alumnae-cover the entire spectrum of college life: classes, homework, studying, laughter, tears, and fears. We all agree, however, that The Women's College was special to us:
We shared a wonderful experience; it was truly a time to remember.
We grew, we found friendships, and most of all, we found a part of our selves; a part that we had left behind many years ago because of family, job or other commitments.
Click here to go to The Women's College main page, and then link to the Annual Events page for more information.
