Pangy Day celebrates MHC community.
The 37th Pangy Day, the beloved tradition that celebrates the “total world of women” and the end of the academic year was held on Friday, April 22.
Since 1979, Mount Holyoke College students, faculty, and staff have gathered for Pangynaskeia Day, one of the College’s most loved traditions, to celebrate the world of women. Pangy Day 2017 was held on April 22.
Pangynaskeia, an early suggestion for the name of Mary Lyons’s new seminary, was compounded from three Greek words meaning “whole woman making.” Pangy Day takes place on the Friday of the last full week of classes. Outdoor events include a picnic at the Gettell Amphitheater, games, music, and a maypole dance on Skinner Green.
Pangy Day provides an opportunity for the entire Mount Holyoke community to come together during the academic year, noted Erin Mosher O’Brien, the assistant director for leadership for student involvement.
“Pangy Day is one of our most anticipated traditions,” she said. “It’s one final chance during the school year for the entire community to connect with each other, enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and appreciate Mount Holyoke.”
Pangy Day began with a welcome address by Dean of Students Marcella Runell Hall, followed by performances by Mount Holyoke a cappella and dance groups.
A barbeque took place on the pageant green behind the amphitheater. Then the celebration moved to Skinner Green for the maypole dance, which is organized by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Other activities on the green included button-making and a free bin with clothing and other items for exchange. Students were also able to visit with goats.
The Outing Club hosted canoeing on Upper Lake and a campout by the Blanchard Lantern. A “dive-in” movie featuring Finding Nemo was presented in the Kendall pool.
The festivities ended with the “Pangy Day Blacklight Bash” in Chapin Auditorium, sponsored by the student organization CAUSE: Creating Awareness and Unity for Social Equality, and the movie Rang De Basanti in the amphitheater, sponsored by the South Asian Student Association.