University to Feature Multicultural Celebration of the Holidays

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University will continue its tradition of celebrating religions and cultures from around the world with its seventh annual Light the Night event on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Evelyn Chapel. The event is free and open to the public.

A multicultural celebration of the season of light, Light the Night celebrates the stories, songs and meanings of various December holidays through the shared image of light as a symbol of peace, wisdom and illumination.

“Light the Night is a wonderful tradition on our campus which celebrates the religious and cultural diversity of our campus,” said University Chaplain Elyse Nelson Winger. “Through drama, music, dance and student reflections, we lift up the presence of light in the darkness and the hope that light brings.”

The event will feature a variety of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) that will share their worldviews and traditions. The RSOs include: Black Student Union, Chinese Cultural Communication Club, Cohesion Dance Company, Death Resurrection Life, IWU Interfaith, Jewish Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Secular Student Association, South Asian Student Association, Spanish and Latino Student Association, and Titan Catholic. The event will also feature vocal performances from a cappella groups Silence Interrupted, Suspended and Touch of Class, and vocal jazz group Unlicensed Syncopation.

Following the celebration, attendees can join a candlelight processional to Joslin Atrium for a reception with global holiday foods.

“During the holiday season, this is a powerful way to lift up our shared values of transformation, new insight, joy and justice,” Winger said. “It is also a creative and beautiful way to honor our irreducibly unique stories and beliefs.”

The event is sponsored by the Evelyn Chapel.

By Vi Kakares ’20