A Sacred Treedition

Next Thursday's tree lighting and yule log ceremony will continue one of Columbia's favorite—and only—community traditions. A capellists will sing, thespians will perform, and Columbia College Dean Austin Quigley may even emerge from hibernation to grace attendees with a baritone carol. Tonight, Barnard adds to the holiday cheer with a bonfire, postponed from its original date by inclement weather. Such celebrations, though limited, are a much-needed respite for the University. There are far too few opportunities in the calendar for students to congregate for a shared purpose, especially in the exam-laden holiday season. At an institution better known for its fissures than its school spirit, these ceremonies are a refreshing chance to celebrate the holidays together and catch a glimpse, however brief, of the elusive Columbia community.

If ever the University needed to stimulate school spirit, now—at the close of a bitterly divisive semester—would be the time. But even old unifying traditions like Bacchanal's party on the last day of classes have lost some of their power to bring people together. The party will be held at Havana Central this year, where the stringent ID policy and scanner will make it impossible for most underclassmen to get in. Aside from Orgo night and a handful of holiday concerts, there are precious few events that large chunks of the student body get excited about at what should be a festive time of the year. So we must make the most of those that do.

While the University attempts to address divisions on campus with a problematic Day Out Against Hate, far more can be done in nights when students can gather together around the warmth of a bonfire or bright lights. For a University that's short on spirit, we should appreciate the kilowatt hours, combustible materials, and non-alcoholic beverages that will provide a festive feeling of warmth and unity that will sustain the community through finals, but probably only for one night. These next few weeks are a time for celebration, for song, and for supervised pyromania. Come all ye faithful! And all ye atheists! Bond with ye brothers and sisters in baby blue.