Text: My sister told me about a graduation tradition at her school Mount Holyoke called the Laurel Parade. She said it “symbolizes when a student moves into an alum. Participants wear white in solidarity with the suffragists and seniors parade with a laurel chain and drape it on the iron fence around the grave while we sing ‘bread and roses’ (poem turned song) about protests on equal pay at a textile mill in Massachusetts.” 

Context: She is heavily looking forward to the Laurel Parade because it is a momentous occasion and she’s looking forward to the singing part. When my sister said she’s excited for it, my mom mentioned that everyone in the parent groups say it is the highlight of graduation. My sister says it’s very cult-like but also very cute. She’s been very bittersweet about graduating and can’t wait to sing songs and be in a cult.

Analysis: This is an important ritual for Mount Holyoke grads, and helps to foster a collective identity among members. The wearing of white is a long standing connection to suffragists and ties the graduation to a greater meaning, as these new women graduate from college and go off to the real world. These traditions are important as they mark a rite of passage and this one creates a sense of closure as they all work together to create the atmosphere through singing and outfits. It is a milestone that helps process the “bittersweet” feelings of leaving an institution you’ve been with for four years.