Yesterday, Winter Carnival began with the funeral of St. George, the "snowy knight" who died a sad death due to warm weather. Despite such a sorrowful start, Carnival weekend still looks promising -- the forecasts predict clear weather and there is more snow on the ground this year than the last five.
But, what is there to celebrate? What is the true meaning behind this 87-year-old Dartmouth tradition? We hope this issue will provide some small insight into that question.
When Carnival was founded in 1910, it was intended as a sporting day for students -- who even then were bored during the winter -- to take advantage of the College's beautiful and unique rural environment by participating in winter sports.
But soon Winter Carnival took on a new meaning for the men at Dartmouth. The College's special winter weekend became an excuse to import women for a multitude of formals and date-oriented events.
Coeducation changed Winter Carnival. No longer would women be brought up to the College to be objectified, enjoyed and shipped home.
The centerpiece of the weekend then became, and is considered by some to still be, the wild parties thrown by the Greek houses.
But, the question remains: what is there to celebrate this weekend? Are we merely using Carnival as an excuse to escape a day of classes for a weekend of fun?
Well, yes. And no.
Carnival has never meant just one thing to any Dartmouth student. This weekend may be famed for certain traditions -- the Winter Carnival poster and snow sculpture in the center of the Green -- but that is not all Carnival is about.
We undergraduates at Dartmouth live in a unique and wonderful place. These will be the best years of our lives -- despite the hardships of cold and snowy nights, the stress of too many papers and the isolation of being in the woods of New Hampshire.
Dartmouth creates a very special bond between students, professors and this College.
We are changed by a Dartmouth winter -- our hands are chapped, our boots are soaked, but we survive and grow. We huddle together by the loud heater and meet a new friend, read a thought-provoking book or feel the serenity of being in this special and magical institution.
Winter Carnival is a celebration of winter. Whether the weekend is spent raging at a party or preparing for your next exam, this Winter Carnival, bundle up and reflect on what this holiday means to you.
Have a fun weekend!
