Changes

Modern traditions include the Festival of Lessons and Carols in early December, an imitation of the traditional Christmas service in [[Cambridge University|Cambridge]].  Also, local [[mythology]] regarding [[angels]] is abundant; residents of the Domain tap the roofs of their cars as they pass through the stone gates in order to "get their angel" for protection in their travels.  Numerous other traditions continue to flourish on the Mountain, many adapted to fit modern practices.  

Modern traditions include the Festival of Lessons and Carols in early December, an imitation of the traditional Christmas service in [[Cambridge University|Cambridge]].  Also, local [[mythology]] regarding [[angels]] is abundant; residents of the Domain tap the roofs of their cars as they pass through the stone gates in order to "get their angel" for protection in their travels.  Numerous other traditions continue to flourish on the Mountain, many adapted to fit modern practices.  

In recent years, some alumni and students have perceived that the school was trying downplay the university's [[tradition]]s, particularly its historical and cultural ties with Southern culture.[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/30/education/30sewanee.html In Desire to Grow, Colleges in South Battle With Roots]. [http://www.leonidaspolk.org/Colleges%20suffer%20identity%20crisis%20%20ajc_com.htm Colleges suffer identity crisis]. As a result, some traditions have come under special scrutiny.   

In recent years, some alumni and students have perceived that the school was trying downplay the university's [[tradition]]s, particularly its historical and cultural ties with Southern culture.[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/30/education/30sewanee.html]. [http://www.leonidaspolk.org/Colleges%20suffer%20identity%20crisis%20%20ajc_com.htm]. As a result, some traditions have come under special scrutiny.   

One particular concern was the disappearance of a ceremonial baton, called a "mace," dedicated to [[Nathan Bedford Forrest]] and decorated with Confederate-themed marks and images. The mace, donated to the University in 1965, was displayed in official processions until 1997, after which it broke and was deemed unusable. A new mace, dedicated to the four founders of the University but bearing no Confederate imagery, was commissioned and continues to be used in University processions.

One particular concern was the disappearance of a ceremonial baton, called a "mace," dedicated to [[Nathan Bedford Forrest]] and decorated with Confederate-themed marks and images. The mace, donated to the University in 1965, was displayed in official processions until 1997, after which it broke and was deemed unusable. A new mace, dedicated to the four founders of the University but bearing no Confederate imagery, was commissioned and continues to be used in University processions.