Dalton News

Candlelighting - 2010

Students and faculty from all three divisions assembled in the Martin Theater for Dalton's traditional candlelighting ceremony during which a Senior recited the traditional Candlelighting poem written by Dalton alumna, Nancy Cardozo '36.
As the candlelighters' parents looked on, Ellen Stein '65, Head of School presided over the ceremony in which a student representative from each grade crossed the stage to light a candle. Middle School and high school students also contributed select lines from, or they recited Ms. Cardozo's poem in its entirety. Representatives from many Dalton constituencies followed -- including parents, faculty, staff and alumni -- adding the warmth of community to the ceremony.  All parents were invited to watch the ceremony in a simulcast in room B06 and a few took advantage of this opportunity. Music throughout the ceremony was provided by the HS Chorus as well as Dalton's two a cappella groups.

The history of Candelighting may be traced back to 1922. In her essay entitled, "Memories of the Children's University School," alumna Elizabeth Seeger recollected her experience as a candlelighter in what was probably the first ceremony:
"The new basement enabled us to have the morning assemblies that for so many years were an important part of the school day. There, too, the first candle-light service was held at Christmas time. Each child and each teacher had a candle and, as we came in, we lighted them at one held by the headmistress. Then we sat on the floor, with no fear of accident, each holding his burning candle, and sang carols to our hearts' content. 0 sancta simplicitas! So much can be done by a few that cannot be done by many."
While the ceremony has changed since then, the spirit of this traditional winter gathering continues to light the same fire of warmth and community that Ms. Seeger felt in 1922.
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