The Tradition of the Rosemont Penny Toss

By Alexandra Benfold

There is a long held tradition at Rosemont; right before the fall semester comes to a close, there is a celebration of Christmas.  On the last Sunday of the semester there is an Advent mass held in the chapel. It is then followed by a candlelight walk of caroling around campus.  Everyone then joins together on the terrace in front of Main for our college’s oldest tradition, the Penny Toss. The President of the college, the Dean of Students, and the SGA President throw pennies from the balcony to the students catching them below. Everyone then proceeds inside of Main for desserts and hot beverages.

This most likely began at the same time the school did, in 1921.  The first mention of this event was made in a SHCJ Rosemont Community Epiphany letter that described the event that took place on December 16, 1924: "On the night before the students left, they assembled before the front door and, carrying red candles, sang carols all round the house (Main Building).  When they reached the porch, Reverend Mother went out to them and threw pennies, for which they scrambled in true Christmas waif (children) fashion."

The Penny Toss is an old English tradition which was brought over from the SHCJ Sisters. Mother Mary Lawrence was an Oxford University grad and the very first President at Rosemont. The second was Mother Mary Ignatius who was from Ireland and served as President from 1924-1939.

The catching of pennies is a symbol for good luck during the final exams. The students catch (or most likely pickup) as many pennies as they can in order to get the most luck for finals week. The symbolic use of pennies can be seen in the everyday expressions of “A penny for your thoughts” and “Pennies from heaven.”  Either way one looks at it, it is a time for this community to come together and have fun night before everyone leaves for winter break. So, be sure to catch as many pennies as you can!  Good luck with finals! 

Photo courtesy: Merlyn Mathew, Alexandra Benfold

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