By Kara Bentz–The Hanging of the Greens has been a long-standing tradition here at Morningside College. Monday night, November 30, the 2015 Hanging of the Greens event occurred in the formal lounge of Dimmitt Hall.
This event celebrates one of the oldest holiday customs in Europe, the burning of the Yule Log. 66 years ago, a teacher in Spirit Lake received a piece of Yule Log from her family in England. This log represented unifying her family. She wanted o share this gift, so she invited several high school women to a burning of the Yule Log celebration.
Seven of those high school students were freshmen at Morningside the following year. They brought a piece of the wood and began the tradition on this campus. Robin Reynders said in her opening statement at the event, “For centuries, a blazing fire has been an emblem of warmth, happiness, of light, and of home.”
President John Reynders then lit the Yule Log. Robin continued by saying, “This year we hope that the residents of Morningside College will experience… the oneness of humanity as we pause to consider the true meaning of Christmas.”
Along with the Yule Log, a new tradition was brought to this event, and that is the Hanging of the Greens. It is believed that bringing evergreens inside would bring the good spirits that dwelt in evergreens indoor as well. Four evergreen wreaths were lit followed by a Christmas Song.
While many people may not have known the symbolic nature of this event, it was a very popular night on campus. Melani Fada, a resident assistant in Dimmitt Hall, said, “The turnout for the event was great! The formal was packed with students.”
Dominique Swanson, another resident assistant, volunteered to dress up as an elf for the event. She posed for pictures with several students that came out. Not only were there elves and caroling, but also there were delicious snacks. “There was hot cranberry apple cider, iced coffee, cookies, cake, and chocolate covered pretzels,” Dominique explained.
Monday night was the successful Hanging of the Greens event that celebrated Christmas spirit and encouraged students to feel the warmth and happiness of this time of year. It was a great way to kick off the Holiday season.
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