Mag Chain

Marianna at the W's Mag Chain ceremony...a graduating senior at last! There is a W tradition known as the Mag Chain...Mag for Magnolia; here's an explanation:
Mag Chain, one of the university's most treasured traditions, has taken place in some form since 1890. In the early years, it was made of daisies and other flowers, but it was decided in 1905 that the state flower was the most appropriate choice.
Constructed by the sophomores, the magnolia chain is carried by the seniors singing the "Magnolia Chain Song" from the steps of Poindexter Hall to Shattuck Lawn where the ceremony is held. The procession is led by the senior class president who carries a bouquet of daisies in honor of the graduates who began the ceremony years ago.
After the magnolia chain is laid on the ground, the seniors sing the alma mater and other special songs, pass down their offices to the rising senior officers and present the class gift to the university. This year also will include the announcement of Faculty Member of the Year.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the seniors form a circle around the magnolia chain, lock arms and sing the "Friendship Circle" song. After the song is completed, the seniors make a mad dash for a magnolia blossom, which symbolizes the purity of achievement. The green leaves represent the growing experiences of the graduates over the past four years.
Tradition holds that graduates who are able to walk away with a magnolia blossom will find good fortune and romance!

Traditionally, Mag chain was done at graduation; however, somebody decided to do it during the homecoming festivities in April, so there were no real magnolias blooming out for the chain...so they used real magnolia leaves and silk blooms....which is kinda nice; one lady was sharing on an alumni listserve...somebody who graduated in the '50's! and she still had her magnolia blossom...brown and dried up...but she still had it!