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Flower Sunday, Houghton 1971 |
Flower Sunday claims the honor of being the oldest and longest-surviving tradition. It emerged from the Protestant heritage of Wellesley College. For many young women coming to Wellesley, the first Sunday away from home brought homesickness, and the celebration of Flower Sunday helped to ease the transition.
From its religious origins, Flower Sunday evolved into a day of sisterhood and celebration of the new school year. Held annually in early September, it features a multicultural and multi-faith pageantry of song, music, and dance.
In recent times, Flower Sunday has come to include the tradition of Wellesley "little" and "big" sisters. First-year students are paired with an upperclasswoman who will act as her "big" sister. As tradition goes, big sisters bring bouquets of flowers to their little sisters and accompany them to the Flower Sunday festivities. With big sisters accumulating several little sisters during their time at Wellesley, entire "families" fill the seats in Houghton Memorial Chapel.
Flower Power, Houghton 1971 |
Houghton 1918 |
