As the nation's oldest university, Penn is loaded with traditions that bring together its diverse community. Whether it be throwing bread across the sidelines of Franklin Field, or parading with bamboo canes and biting Styrofoam hats, students continue to observe customs that find their origins in rituals from the past.
"The traditions give Penn students a sense of unique identity," said Mark Lloyd, director of University Archives and Record Center. "They give the students ‹¨« a sense that they belong to an organization with a long history."
Lloyd credits the fun spirit of the traditions for their endurance.
Hey Day, which is observed on the last day of classes each year, brings together several traditions that go as far back as 1865. These customs range from recognizing students who have been elected into various honorary societies to planting ivy to commemorate the graduating senior class.
However, the focus of this event has gradually shifted from the formal ceremonies, to that of high-spirited celebration, marked by a parade by the junior class to celebrate their advancement as seniors.
These days, the junior class, sporting red T-shirts, Styrofoam hats and canes start their march from Hill Field and continue down Locust Walk as senior onlookers shower them with flour, syrup, whipped cream and other condiments. The class is greeted by the University president in front of College Hall at the end of the march.
Spring Fling, on the other hand, brings together the entire student body in a weekend lined with endless entertainment. What began as a simple annual gathering near the Schuylkill River to support Penn's crew team has, since 1973, become an annual weekend of revelry.
A carnival-like atmosphere, with food stalls, game booths and live bands takes over the Quadrangle as Penn students are joined by students from all over the East Coast. Each year the Social Planning and Events Committee sponsors a concert. Last year's performers were Sonic Youth, Citizen Cope and Cat Power.
Even in the sports arena, Penn does not lack character. If there is one thing Penn students never forget to bring to a football game -- it's bread. In past years, after every touchdown, students downed alcoholic beverages while chanting the words from a football pep song: "Here's a toast to dear old Penn."
However, with the onset of the University's alcohol policies, students now hurl toasted bread into the air in a true toast-throwing tradition.
Many freshmen have their first taste of Penn traditions the night before the first microeconomics midterm. Students gather in the Quad, and at midnight scream their anxieties away. A few brave students have been known to streak through the lawns.
