\section{Traditions}
\begin{itemize}
\item  The Oar\\
``The oar'' (``Notre R\^{a}me'') is shared between French House and
Spanish House because it was broken by a joint Spanish House-French
House IM Crew boat.  There are well-defined rules about sharing it.  One
house may remove it from the other only on Friday, before midnight.  The
oar may only be moved once each Friday.  A house may not prevent the
other from taking it at the right time.  This includes hiding it.
\item  The French House Dance\\
Usually happens at least once a party.  Danced to ``The Love
Shack.''\footnote{Epsilon Theta has a similar dance for ``Beat It.''
Our dance is rumored to have been imported from Alpha Epsilon Pi.}
\item  The French Marathon\\
Every year there is a French Marathon, organized by the Ministre
d'Education.  During the marathon, everyone speaks nothing but French.
The exact rules are set when it is done, but you are not required to
speak French when {\em inside\/} someone's room.
\item  Tower of Babel Party\\
Not really a French House tradition but one of the Language Houses.
Each year (since 1977), the Language Houses have a party (or another
event) together.  Sometimes an actual tower is built.
\item	D\^{\i}ner de No\"{e}l\\
Near the end of the first term, the D\^{\i}ner de No\"{e}l is held. This
is a big dinner to which house alumni are invited.  People dress nicely.
\item  Secret Santa (P\`{e}re No\"{e}l)\\
For two weeks before the D\^{\i}ner de No\"{e}l, house members can be
Secret Santas.  Everyone who is participating draws the name of another
and over the two weeks gives their ``Santee'' notes, small gifts, etc.
For the D\^{\i}ner de No\"{e}l, a more substantial gift is wrapped up
and the Secret Santas are revealed at the end of d\^{\i}ner (after the
Santee has had 3 guesses).
\item  Mystery Night\\
This is a recent tradition.  A few members of the house organize a
role-playing murder mystery which takes place in the house over the
course of a few hours.  Everyone who wants to participate is given a
character to play, Assassin's Guild style.
\item  International Fair\\
Usually French House has a entry in the International Fair, an event
which takes place toward the end of the second term.  We sell croissants
and other French foods out on Kresge Oval.
\item  Semi-Formal\\
French House holds a semi-formal dance party in the spring.  It gives
people a chance to dress up more than usual.  Dates are not necessary,
and it's nice to specially invite friends.  It is normally not held in
French House; in past years it has been held in Tang Hall and in
McCormick, depending on where we have connections.
\item  Senior Brunch\\
Near the end of the year, the seniors are treated to the senior brunch.
The newly-elected president organizes it.  The seniors dress nicely,
everybody should attend, and after the brunch, a modest gift is given to
each senior.
\end{itemize}
