Elsa Greenlees is the Ceremonial Garland Weaver for the 2026 Conferment of Degrees Ceremony
At the University of Jyväskylä, the Conferment of Degrees celebrations traditionally begin on Flora Day, May 13, when the Master’s Committee sets out to invite the Ceremonial Garland Weaver. Traditionally, the Ceremonial Garland Weaver is chosen from among the children of professors at the University of Jyväskylä and is often a recent high school graduate. The Ceremonial Garland Weaver symbolizes youth and spring in the Conferment of Degrees celebrations of more senior scholars.
The invitation of the Ceremonial Garland Weaver has been part of Jyväskylä’s Conferment of Degrees tradition since the first ceremony held in 1969. Originally, the Ceremonial Garland Weaver weaved the garlands for all master’s promovendi, but over time this honor has been passed to the promovendi’s companions. As a result, the Ceremonial Garland Weaver’s role has evolved into guiding the companions in weaving the garlands.
This remains the Ceremonial Garland Weaver’s task today. The newly selected Ceremonial Garland Weaver will guide the companions of the master’s promovendi during the Garland Weaving ceremony on Conferment Friday, May 22.
On Flora Day, the University of Jyväskylä once again welcomed a Ceremonial Garland Weaver, as Elsa Greenlees accepted the honor of serving in this role for the 2026 Conferment of Degrees Ceremony.
Following the official invitation, speeches, and a performance by the male choir Alvar, the Flora Day procession continued to a celebratory lunch at Vesilinna, where the official wreath-layer was conveyed in a 1959 Cadillac DeVille.
The Ceremonial Garland Weaver is supported by former holders of the role, who pass on the knowledge and skills required for the task. Several former Ceremonial Garland Weavers are expected to participate in the 2026 Conferment of Degrees.
The University of Jyväskylä’s 2026 Conferment of Degrees will take place on May 22–24. The public is welcome to follow the ceremonial procession, which departs from the University Main Building on Saturday, May 23, at approximately 2:30 p.m.
