Gaudy facts for kids

Gaudy or gaudie is a special word used at some of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It describes fun events and traditions that are part of student life. The word comes from the Latin word "gaudium," which means "enjoyment" or "merry-making." It's also linked to a famous old student song called Gaudeamus, which means "Let's make merry."

Gaudy Celebrations in England

Durham University Traditions

At St Chad's College in Durham University, a "gaudy" is now often called a "feast" or "mega-formal." These are fancy events where students wear black-tie outfits and academic gowns. They happen several times a term to celebrate important days or special events.

The college's feast day starts early with a special announcement. Students might play games or have competitions around the city. More serious parts of the day include a service in the Cathedral and music performances. Former students (alumni) also have their own similar events.

University of Oxford Feasts

At the University of Oxford, a gaudy (sometimes called a "gaude" at New College, Oxford) is a big celebration or feast held at a college. It's often a reunion for former students, called alumni. The name might come from the traditional student song, Gaudeamus.

These gaudies usually include a special formal dinner. People dress in black tie and wear their academic gowns. Doctors might even wear bright scarlet robes. Before dinner, there might be other events like chapel services, lectures, or concerts. For reunions, students who started university in certain years (for example, 1999 to 2001) are invited back. Gaudies for each year group usually happen about every ten years.

University of Reading's Freshers Gaudie

Wantage Hall, one of the student homes at the University of Reading, has an annual "Freshers Gaudie." This tradition comes from when the University of Reading was connected to Christ Church, Oxford University. It's a way to welcome new students.

Gaudy Events in Scotland

University of Aberdeen's Student Newspaper

At the University of Aberdeen, "The Gaudie" is the name of the student newspaper. It's made by the Aberdeen University Students' Association. This newspaper is known for being the oldest student newspaper in Scotland.

Dundee and St Andrews Traditions

At the University of Dundee, "gaudie nights" are old student celebrations. During these nights, new students (called "bejants" for males and "bejantines" for females) are paired with older students. These older students are like "academic parents" (usually one male "senior man" and one female "senior woman"). Their job is to help the new students get used to university life and make friends. These events happen soon after "Freshers' Week," which is when new students first arrive.

On gaudie night, the "academic parents" take their younger "children" out for a fun evening. The parents usually pay for everything.

Raisin Monday and Weekend

After gaudie night comes Raisin Monday. On this day, the new students thank their "academic parents." They usually give a gift to the senior student. In return, the senior student gives them a "receipt." This "receipt" can be something funny or challenging to carry, like a hat, a costume, a car tyre, or even a toilet seat! The new student then wears or carries this "receipt" until midday. Raisin Monday usually happens in the early winter of the first semester.

Similar traditions happen at the University of St Andrews, which used to be connected to Dundee University. However, they call it a Raisin Weekend instead of "gaudie night." Many traditions are part of this weekend, including "Raisin receipts" written in Latin, a big foam fight, and "Raisin strings" given by the "academic mother" to be worn on the new student's academic gown.

St Andrews also has a separate ceremony called a "gaudie." This involves a torchlight procession where students wear their gowns and sing Gaudeamus. It's done to remember a student named John Honey. In 1800, he bravely risked his life to save people from a shipping accident offshore.

School Celebrations

• At St Edward's School, Oxford and Radley College in Oxfordshire, "gaudy" is the name for their end-of-year celebrations. Sometimes these are evening events.