Centuries of Excellence

Traditions are a cornerstone of a Linden Hall education and the campus experience. Throughout our 275 year history, many of the traditions at Linden Hall have been handed down from generation to generation and provide a connection between current students and alumnae. Participating in these time-honored traditions enhances what it means to be a “Linden Hall girl” and creates a lasting identity as a Linden Hall alumna.

Convocation

Lotus Walk

Following Convocation, all students process to the courtyard fountain for the annual Lotus Walk. During this time-honored tradition, students of all grades assemble in rows and pass lotus flowers forward to the seniors, who place the flowers into the fountain. This symbolic act represents the passing and holding of wisdom among our students throughout the year. At the end of the ceremony, the Head of School rings the school bell to officially usher in the start of the new year.

Gretna Day

Gretna Day is a hidden gem at Linden Hall. This tradition 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.

Vespers

Until the 1970s, Vespers services were held every week at Linden Hall in the Mary Dixon Chapel. Today, Vespers is held in the Moravian Church around Christmastime for current students, families, and alumnae. This tradition is a celebration of the musical talents of the Linden Hall community and is the premier music performance of the year.

Blue & White Week

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!

International Night

International Night is a celebration of Linden Hall's rich diversity, during which guests enjoy watching cultural performances and sampling dishes from around the world! International Night offers our students the opportunity to share their heritage and showcase their many talents. In the past, performances have represented Bhutan, China, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, and more.

Mary Dixon Day

Baccalaureate

The night before Commencement begins with Baccalaureate, during which the Head of School, Director of Academic Affairs, Senior Class Mentors deliver heartfelt messages to our graduates. Baccalaureate is a time for the graduating class to reflect on their journey at Linden Hall, reminiscing together about the wonderful memories they’ve created.

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.