The Daisy Chain
Westhampton College sophomore and senior women began participating in the Daisy Chain ceremony as part of the commencement exercises in 1915. This tradition was initiated by Dean Keller to honor the special relationship between the sophomore class and their senior “big sisters.”In those early years, the sophomore class would rise early on the appointed day. They would walk or be transported to fields near campus to pick flowers for the daisy chain. In addition to daisies, ivy and honeysuckle might also be woven into the chain. After the flowers were gathered, the sophomores would return to campus to attend a breakfast hosted by the senior women. After the breakfast, the sophomores would construct the daisy chain using plant material and rope.
When the time for the ceremony arrived, seniors in their caps and gowns and sophomores in white dresses participated in the daisy chain ceremony. Seniors contributed handmade, white satin pillows that were placed on the shoulders of the sophomores as they carried the Daisy Chain. The pillows were embroidered or hand-painted with class numerals or flowers. Sophomores carried the daisy chain and presented it to the seniors, singing a special song written for the event. After the daisy chain was presented, the women formed the Westhampton “W.”
By the early 1950s, students were questioning the need for this tradition, given the effort that it required during a very hectic time of year. Editorials and letters to the editor started to appear in The Collegian. In later years, the ceremony was abbreviated or skipped altogether. For some time, the daisy chain was included as part of the May Day ceremony.
Daisies and daisy chains continue to be incorporated into Westhampton College ceremonies. Today, Westhampton seniors carry a Daisy Chain into Cannon Memorial Chapel each year at the beginning of Proclamation Night. On this night, first year women promise to uphold the Honor Code and are officially recognized as members of the college community.