Emma Willard Rituals

Some of the rituals that are observed at Emma Willard are an acknowledgment of the talents or abilities of the seniors. Others are simply a sign of thanks for the hard work that is put in by community members. Some examples of rituals at Emma are Principal’s Play Day, the use of the Senior Triangle and the celebration of Revels. Unlike many religious rituals that are meant to help one understand their religion or to provide proof of their devotion, Emma rituals are truly statements to the mutual respect between members of the community.
Principal’s Play Day is an annual tradition at Emma. Once each year, the head of school will announce a Principal’s Play Day during which classes will not be held. Students and faculty, therefore, have the day to rest and relax. When this ritual is announced each year, it is often precluded by a short speech by the head of school, acknowledging the hard work that has been put in by the community up to that point in the year. The purpose of the play day is to help people relax and revive. The day is always relished as rejuvenating and thoughtful. Everyone appreciates the opportunity that this day gives, and is grateful for being acknowledged for their work. This tradition promotes mutual respect between the head of school and the community members.
The use of the senior triangle is one of Emma’s greatest rituals. The use of this lush and inviting triangle of grass is enjoyed only by Emma Willard seniors and alumni. Each year prior to obtaining the rights of the triangle, students are forced to use alternate, and often less convenient routes around campus. While this may seem like senior class hazing, it is undoubtedly one of the most standard forms of respect that is given to seniors at Emma. The consequences for underclasswomen and faculty who walk on the triangle are all in good fun. The main purpose of the triangle is not to haze the younger students, but to acknowledge the time and work that the seniors have invested in the school. If the younger students respect the rights to the triangle, seniors will often invite underclasswomen onto the triangle to illustrate their appreciation of the respect given to them.
By far the most important ritual at Emma is the celebration of Revels. Revels is a holiday play put on by the senior class for the enjoyment of the rest of the community. The casting of the play is kept a secret to enhance the anticipation of the show. Classes are cancelled the week before Revels for all seniors. This week is the only time when lines are learned and rehearsals are scheduled. The seniors look forward to spending that week bonding with their classmates, and appreciate the much deserved hiatus from academic commitments. The rest of the community works hard during that week, as all the seniors have before them, and anxiously await the Friday night performance of Revels. While it may seem as though this production is really for the seniors, it is put on for the benefit of the rest of the community and is seen as one of the greatest gifts the senior class gives to the school.
Rituals at Emma Willard are important in forming a strong community. Many of the rituals or traditions are a great display of the mutual respect between all the members of the community. Principal’s Play Day, the use of the senior triangle, and the celebration of Revels are just a few examples of the rituals that help bring the school together and acknowledge all the hard work that is put into the community on a daily basis. As is the case with most religious rituals, the traditions at Emma are a chance to prove a devotion to and love for the school, which is an honor that most Emma students greatly appreciate.