Page 16 - 1912 May - To Dragma

TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 135

OUR TRADITIONS

As I sit here writing, the fact that we have certain established cus-
toms here at Illinois is borne emphatically, i f not musically to my
ears. A Spring Celebration is in progress.

A Spring Celebration, let me explain, illustrates the childlike
faith of the masculine portion of Illinois in "things as we want them
to be." At the first breath of warm air, the first imaginary bright-
ness of the too-pallid sun, some enterprising soul decides spring has
really come. That night he gathers unto himself like kindred
spirits and the trouble has begun. Down the streets they go, a
long line of "snake-dancers" with colored lights whizzing into the
air in all directions, with cowbells and tin pans doing their best to
make the night pleasant. Just now they are singing "Cheer, cheer
the gang's all here." The slight fact that this performance may
have to be gone through with several times more, doesn't disturb
them at all. It's all great fun, and the co-eds are inclined to the
opinion that they're rather left out.

Speaking of such a hilarious custom, somehow suggests to me
"the Boneyard". This beautiful little stream, despite it's gruesome
name, is the abomination of every freshman (masculine gender) in
the University of Illinois. I n the fall the upper class men think it
their religious duty to duck the unsuspecting freshman therein.
Although this pleasing custom is now on the way to oblivion, there
is enough truth left in the idea to keep the newcomer from the
vicinity of the historic stream, especially i f any suspicious looking
Sophs are lurking nearby.

The push-ball contest is another field in which the freshmen and
sophomores occupy the center of attention. In the fall, a mighty
battle is arranged between these two classes. A huge ball, 6 feet in
diameter, is the cause of the dissension, and whichever class can push
this ball through his own goal wins the victory. The encounter takes
place on the football field. The ball is passed over the heads of
the combatants in order to avoid as many broken ribs (and such
pleasantries) as possible. The Hobo band is one feature of the
push-ball contest which must not be overlooked. The Seniors fur-
nish this amusement, their costumes are wonderful to behold and
their music is also wonderful to hear—but then, as it's one of the
last chances for the Seniors to parade before the public eye, much
may be forgiven them.

The only traditional amusement of the winter is the Post-Exam
Jubilee, which takes place in the auditorium immediately after the