Global Culture

meet the world at Linden hall

Linden Hall provides a rich cultural experience in a globally focused environment. Our diverse student body represents international students from around the world and American students from across the country.

Below are some of the cultural events and traditions that we celebrate.

Chapel

Linden Hall's weekly chapel service offers a reminder of our Moravian Church heritage, as well as affirming our multi-faith student body and school family. Our chaplain, faculty, members of our Senior Class, and guest speakers share inspirational insights and remind us to be thoughtful, and develop moral character. Students are encouraged to share various faith traditions (Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc.) with their school family as a means of fostering dialogue.

Gretna Day

Gretna Day was started in 1915 to celebrate former Headmaster, Dr. Stengel's birthday in October. In October, 1919, the "day in the woods" changed location to the picnic grounds at Mt. Gretna, PA. Today it is a surprise day off in October, announced early in the morning, and students, faculty, and staff head to the woods for food, hiking, and roller skating at the Mt. Gretna Roller Rink.

Lantern Walk

The Lantern Walk ceremony, held following Baccalaureate on the night prior to graduation, is a rite of passage ceremony for our junior and senior girls. The passing of the lanterns signifies passing the responsibility as the oldest members of the school family down from the graduating seniors to the upcoming senior class. Following the procession from the chapel to the fountain, the junior and senior girls form a circle around the fountain, sing their class song, and the seniors pass their lantern down to their junior sisters.

Vespers

International Night Festival

Our International Night Festival takes place every year on the 2nd Friday in March on the Linden Hall campus. The festival is an opportunity for students from around the world to share their culture and showcase their many talents. In past years, our festival has featured performances representing Bhutan, China, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.

Lunar New Year

Each February students in the Chinese Culture Club sponsor a Lunar New Year celebration at Linden Hall. The celebration includes songs, storytelling, dancing and musical performances by students, and ends with a traditional Dragon Parade. Members of the Linden Hall community also have the opportunity in our Dining Hall to enjoy traditional New Year's food such as crispy pork, Cantonese-style steamed fish, stir fried Bai Cai, and everyone's favorite – dumplings!