Ninety-eight days ago, seniors gathered at the Hong Kong restaurant to drink and dance with their classmates to kickoff of a string of senior events leading up to the end of their Harvard careers.

But these events have not always included Scorpion Bowls--the Kong's drink of choice. Though the Class Day ritual has always been festive, it is also the product of continual evolution.

Class Day, run by seniors for more than a century, has spawned several offshoots over the years. The current senior events, including the Last Chance Dance, the Moonlight Cruise and the Quad Olympics, all grew out of Class Day.

In its earlier years, the event existed in a much different form. In 1884, Class Day began at 9:30 a.m., when the senior class assembled in front of Holworthy Hall before marching to the chapel and then Sanders Theatre for Class Day exercises.

An article in The Daily Crimson from Friday, June 13, 1884 described the event's strict dress code.

"Seniors are requested to appear in dress suits, white cravats and silk hats...Seniors are requested to avoid any absurdity of dress at the exercises," the article said.

Although the outfits may have been staid, the affair was meant to be entertaining.

The afternoon activities included music in the Yard, dancing in Memorial Hall, illuminations and general frolicking. The Glee Club sang in front of Holworthy Hall.

A central aspect of the event was "cheering the tree," but unfortunately, no description of this ritual has survived.

The Class Day events became so popular, College officials had to fend off scalpers.

"In regard to the evil of speculation it seems useless to dwell at length as so much has been said on this subject, but it is sincerely hoped that all will use great discretion in the disposal of their tickets," The Daily Crimson said on June 4, 1884.

As years passed, the traditions changed, but Class Day and other senior events remained important. The Senior Spread, an extension of class activities, began drawing students to a dance at the turn of the century.

In 1902, organizers placed 200 tables, illuminated by Japanese lanterns, in Memorial Hall for the festivities.

In addition to the 40-piece orchestra, the event featured student musicians.

"During the ninth, tenth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth dances, the Mandolin Club will play outside," The Crimson noted.