Ooh la la, when Valentine’s day comes along, we all know what’s coming. Apart from the roses and pick-up lines and secret confessions, there’s also the option of a not-so-secret confession.
Serenades! Originating in medieval Europe in the 1800s, the traditional way involved a man singing to his love while playing the guitar or lute. This was typically delivered at night time, as serenades were known as ‘nocturnal songs of courtship’. Windows of some kind were usually in the picture too (think Romeo and Juliet… or the famous boombox scene from the classic film Say Anything)
Fast forward a few centuries, and serenading culture has lived on (although there’s much less window involved now). Having made its way to Macleans, serenades have become an unforgettable part of the festivities on the 14th.
Every year, a group of talented Rutherfordian singers and instrumentalists hop from class to class to deliver serenades. Performing a variety of love songs (the more heart-wrenching the better), they brighten every room they go to with cheesy cheer.
This year was no different. With almost one hundred serenades that needed delivering, the team was bustling around the school non-stop (round of applause please). Dressed up in togas and tutus to imitate Cupid, the group raced through the orders while still singing their hearts out for every single (or taken) person.
Enjoy a couple (haha get it?) of videos below that showcase the joy and embarrassment that comes hand in hand (aww) with receiving a serenade on Valentine’s day.
All jokes aside, serenades are great at bringing people together and tightening relationships of all kinds. So to everyone who purchased a serenade: firstly, thank you for supporting the Rutherford house charity (Hato Hone St. John) but more importantly, thank you for spreading the love and good vibes to every corner of the school.
And if your ears weren’t blessed with a serenade this year, no fear, for Cupid shall be back…
…same time next year.
3rd March, 2024
Written by Hope Zhang, edited by Emma Li
Videography and photo by Joseph Zhang, video editing by Jessie Zhang
