College of William and Mary

12/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2024 16:10

‘Peace, joy and gratitude’: Photos from W&M’s Yule Log ceremony

'Peace, joy and gratitude': Photos from W&M's Yule Log ceremony

The W&M community gathered Dec. 14 for the 90th annual Yule Log ceremony.

The yule logs are carried into the Wren Building. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

William & Mary students, faculty, staff, alumni and family members gathered at the Wren Building on Dec. 14 to celebrate the 90th annual Yule Log ceremony, highlighting the university's strong sense of community.

Hosted by Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa, the beloved tradition offers a variety of performances and readings and the chance to symbolically throw one's cares away while looking toward the new Year.

"For William & Mary students today, the Yule Log Ceremony is a welcomed break between finals, and an opportunity to gather in the holiday spirit with friends and appreciate diverse religious customs," said Sarahelena Marrapodi '25, president of Mortar Board, who read a history of the event with Josie Summers '25, president of Omicron Delta Kappa.

Hundreds of members of the W&M community gather at the Wren Building for the Yule Log ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Hundreds of members of the W&M community gather at the Wren Building for the Yule Log ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) A large screen at the event shows the W&M cypher decorated with holly and snow. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Parents join in the festivities at the Yule Log ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Attendees decorated paper birds at the event. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Acknowledging the culmination of the university's Year of the Arts, the ceremony featured several musical groups, including the Barksdale Treble Chorus, the William & Mary Choir, The Gentlemen of the College and the Wham Bam Big Band.

The Gentlemen of the College perform a "Yuletide Medley." (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) The W&M Choir performs during the ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Members of the Barksdale Treble Chorus enjoy the artificial snowfall during their performance. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Public Safety Ginger Ambler once again put her own spin on a classic tale with "'Twas the Night After Finals," and President Katherine A. Rowe read from "Winter Candle," by Jeron Ashford.

President Katherine A. Rowe stands next to a tree decorated with paper birds at the event. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

Students representing various religious and cultural organizations joined together to speak about centering compassion in W&M's community. The students, in speaking order, included: Elif Erdogan '27, Muslim Student Association; Lilly Tanenbaum '25, Hillel; William Henderson '26, Black Student Organization; Hannah Jackson '24, Reformed University Fellowship; and Pooja Muthuraj '25, Hindu, Sikh and Jain Association.

"Standing here shoulder to shoulder, we further the cause of breaking down barriers and, together, open our minds and hearts to one another in peace, joy and gratitude," said Muthuraj. "May this Yule Log ceremony reaffirm for many, and affirm for others, that William & Mary is committed to a culture of compassion, now more than ever."

William Henderson '26 speaks about compassion. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Attendees hold sprigs of holly while enjoying the ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

At the conclusion of the ceremony, two logs were brought into the Wren Building and set ablaze in the fireplace of the Great Hall. Attendees were invited to toss sprigs of holly onto a fire, representing a release of one's cares from the year.

Attendees throw sprigs of holly onto the fire. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Sprigs of holly sit atop one of the yule logs. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas) Attendees throw sprigs of holly onto the fire. (Photo by Stephen Salpukas)

For those unable to attend the ceremony, a livestream was also available on the W&M website. In addition, a number of regional events were held for alumni across the country throughout December.

Donations collected during this year's Yule Log ceremony will go to the Avalon Center, which seeks to end domestic and sexual violence.

Staff, University News & Media

Tags: Yule Log