by Abigail Ramirez
Daily Lobo
More than 13,000 paper bags filled with sand and candles covered campus Friday, as faculty, staff and students sang holiday carols.
The luminarias, carols and a tour of campus were part of one of the University's oldest traditions, Hanging of the Greens.
The journey around campus ended in front of the president's house, where students presented President David Harris with
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a wreath.
The tradition began in 1935.
The Mortar Board Senior Honor Society has organized the event since the 1950s.
Ambrosia Ortiz, president of the society, said the Hanging of the Greens brings people together
at UNM.
"This event is a way to create a community on campus and to show appreciation for all the president does for us during the school year," she said.
A group of students went to the Sandia Mountains and collected branches from evergreen trees, Ortiz said.
The students made the wreath out of the clippings.
Timi E-Nunu, a member of the society, said the event creates a sense of pride for students, because it is the oldest UNM
tradition.
"It's a big deal," she said. "Even though it's a student-coordinated event, it still allows other people who are not part of the University to come and see the lights and carol with the
students."
Student Cate Wisdom said the event is a good way to finish off the semester and get together with friends.
She said it's important to
participate in an event like this.
"If you're involved in school and you're involved in your campus, then you become a part of it, and it's not just some place where you come to school," she said. "It's some place where you live."
Harris said students should continue the tradition, because it strenghtens the union between the president, faculty, staff and students.
"I think any event that we can do that tends to unify the University community is very good for strengthening the fabric of the University," he said. "It is very healthy for the University community."
