The pumpkin magic lantern is a traditional Halloween decoration that is sure to bring a festive and whimsical touch to any home or party. This unique lantern is made by hollowing out a pumpkin and carving intricate patterns or designs into the outer skin. Once the pumpkin is hollowed out and carved, a small candle or light source is placed inside to illuminate the design. The soft glow of the light shining through the carved pumpkin creates a magical and enchanting ambiance. The origins of the pumpkin magic lantern can be traced back to ancient Celtic traditions, where the hollowed-out gourds were used to ward off evil spirits during the harvest season. Over time, the lanterns evolved into more elaborate and decorative pieces, with intricate designs and patterns becoming a popular art form.
U of iowa mascot
Herky the Hawk is at the forefront of the University of Iowa, providing the BLACK and GOLD at intercollegiate athletics and UI campus/community events staged annually at the University of Iowa, throughout the state and nationally. Herky attends over 500 hours of events during a year.
Herky the Hawk leads 70,000 Hawkeye fans inside Kinnick Stadium as they cheer for the nationally-ranked Iowa Football team.
Crowds of up to 15,500 who cheer on Iowa’s men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball teams rely on the energy of Herky the Hawk at events staged inside Carver Hawkeye Arena and Extreme Arena.
Hawkeye Fans around Iowa Athletics can see Herky the Hawk at their events cheering on their favorite athletes, all while stopping for a picture or two or ten with his mass of fans at each of the events.
Herky the Hawk is a full-time ambassador for the University of Iowa. The iconic mascot can be seen around campus, around the state, and even around the Nation, making Hawkeye Fans stand up for the Black and Gold and yell ‘Let’s Go Hawks!’. Herky The Hawk also represents Iowa at UCA College Nationals.
A unique way to represent the Iowa Hawkeyes while getting an education from one of the premiere universities in the Big Ten.
A great way experience college and get make some unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
STATS:
- Iconic mascot of the University of Iowa since 1948
- Made into a public art display with the 2004 & 2014 Herkys On Parade Campaign around Iowa City, IA
- Placed 4th at UCA College Nationals in 2015
Herky the Hawk Commitment
Summer
- All schedule information will be given at the first meeting for the 2021-2022 Spirit Squads.
- PR events will happen throughout the summer.
- Mandatory Pre Camp Practice will be held two weeks prior to UCA camp.
- UCA Camp (usually the first week of August in Wisconsin Dells, WI).
School Year:
- YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES AND GAMES.
- Meetings begins one week prior to the start of classes.
- Meeting/Practice: At a time determined by the team – once weekly
- PR Event schedule varies weekly – team members are expected to be flexible
- Practice/PR Events over Winter Break: dependent on competition at UCA College Nationals in January
Special Events/Appearances:
- Herky the Hawk is required to attend events sponsored by the athletic department. These include, but are not limited to Football Games, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games, Volleyball Games, Wrestling Meets, Gymnastics Meets, as well as other requests as they come up.
- Herky the Hawk works at all Iowa Spirit Squad fundraisers.
- Herky the Hawk is required to attend assigned Public Relations events. Team members are expected to share the responsibility of the events.
Expenses:
- All travel, hotel accommodations, per diem, practice apparel (Nike/Varsity), shoes, uniforms, costumes and choreography expenses are provided by the University of Iowa Spirit Squad.
- Optional apparel, i.e. team sweats, will be paid by the individual.
- In the event you do not finish the season or are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the University of Iowa for payments made on your behalf.
Scholarships:
- Scholarships are available to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year members, as well as a few financial need scholarships, through the Mary Lee Hawkeye Spirit Fund.
“History of the University of Iowa Mascots”
At Fry Fest 2013 we were fortunate to display my artwork in the Collector’s Showcase next to the world’s biggest collector of Hawkeye memorabilia Lonny Tanner, an Iowa farmer and father of 6 girls. I had never heard of the University of Iowa’s first mascot “Burch” the bear, featured in person on campus, at home football games and on pennants over 100 years ago, 1908-1909. According to the Daily Iowan, the arrival of Burch from Idaho in 1908 had been heralded as a good omen for the team, but a disastrous football season ensued and Burch fell out of favor with Iowa fans. Students quit wrestling with him as he grew larger and more ferocious. Sadly, Burch met an untimely death when he escaped out his pen (located in the old Iowa Field), was lost for over a week and then fell through the ice on the Iowa River and drowned. When he heard of Burch’s fate, Burch’s guardian “Jimmy” who was the “venerable” mower of the Iowa Field, dissed the poor bear saying “Well, he was no kind o’ use anyhow.” When questioned further, Jimmy admitted to fearing that Burch’s ghost would return to haunt the campus and in that event, a new caretaker would be needed immediately. Mr Dill, local taxidermist was unable to preserve Burch’s body, but did preserve the head, and it was placed in the museum. The next mention of a mascot was in 1927 when “Rex” the dog arrived on campus as the ROTC and University of Iowa mascot. Rex reigned from 1927 to 1932 when he died of old age and kidney trouble, and was replaced by his grandson Rex II who very sadly also fell through the Iowa River ice and drowned March 1, 1935. According to the DI, Rex was a purebred Great Dane weighing nearly 200 lbs who could talk and had an encouraging conversation on the practice field with Coach Ossie Solem on Monday May 2, 1932. It was not until 1948 that a hawk named “Herky” (“Hercules”) arrived on the scene. According to the DI, the bird’s first appearance on campus was Friday Oct. 5, 1956 at the first pep rally of the season. Herky, the real bird, is included in the painting perched on top of the entrance to the first Iowa Field, remnants of which can be found on our campus just west of the main library on the east side of campus. Herky has undergone several renovations to become our present day favorite. I have included the new and old stadiums to provide a historical retrospective, showcasing the three mascots representing over 107 years of University of Iowa history.
Thanks to Lonny Tanner and his associates, and my husband Tom Aunan for all the research and info which helped in the making of this painting of the history of the University of Iowa mascots. Thank you to UI Library archivist David McCartney for help finding all this information, especially articles from the Daily Iowan.
Why your mascot sucks: University of Iowa
If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
Over time, the lanterns evolved into more elaborate and decorative pieces, with intricate designs and patterns becoming a popular art form. In modern times, the pumpkin magic lantern has become synonymous with Halloween and is a staple decoration during the holiday season. Families and friends often gather to carve pumpkins together, creating their unique designs or following traditional patterns like spooky faces or haunted scenes.
Share this story
- Share this on Facebook
- Share this on Twitter
Share All sharing options for: Why your mascot sucks: University of Iowa
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Herky The Hawk, Iowa’s mascot for the last 70 years, is a hawk, of some sort and proclaims on his Twitter that he is the “best mascot in the State of Iowa!”
Also, I don’t know if I would go that far.
The Iowa State mascot stole my camera and is doing my job pic.twitter.com/VrufMi4Ttx
— shanna rose (@SMR1837) March 11, 2017
OK, maybe he is. but still it’s a weird brag for your Twitter profile.
The pumpkin magic lantern is not only a fun and entertaining activity but also a fantastic way to add a touch of creativity and seasonal charm to any space. Whether placed on a front porch, in a window, or as a centerpiece on a dining table, the lantern instantly adds a festive and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the pumpkin magic lantern can be customized to fit any style or theme. From classic Jack-o-Lantern faces to intricate scenes inspired by folklore or movies, the possibilities for creativity are endless. Some crafters even use stencils or templates to create precise and detailed designs, ensuring a polished and professional-looking lantern. Creating a pumpkin magic lantern is a wonderful way to get into the Halloween spirit and release one's inner artist. The process of selecting the perfect pumpkin, carving intricate patterns, and lighting it up is an experience that both children and adults can enjoy. In conclusion, the pumpkin magic lantern is a timeless and beloved Halloween tradition. Its ability to capture the imagination and create a festive atmosphere makes it a must-have decoration for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday in style. So grab a pumpkin, gather your loved ones, and let your creativity shine through this magical and enchanting craft..
Reviews for "From Jack-o'-Lanterns to Pumpkin Magi Lanterns: A History in Evolution"
1. Amy - 2 stars - I was really excited to try the Pumpkin Magi Lantern, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The scent was not as strong as I had hoped and it barely filled the room with any fragrance. Additionally, the pumpkin shape and design were cute, but the quality of the lantern itself was not the best. The material felt cheap and flimsy. Overall, I was disappointed with this product and would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 1 star - The Pumpkin Magi Lantern turned out to be a complete waste of money. When I first lit it, the flame was weak and it took forever for the wax to melt and release any scent. Even when it did finally melt, the fragrance was barely noticeable. The lantern also started to leak wax after a couple of uses, which was frustrating and messy. I expected better quality and performance from this product, but it fell short in every aspect. Save your money and pass on this one.
3. Jennifer - 2 stars - While the concept of the Pumpkin Magi Lantern was appealing, the execution was far from satisfactory. The scent was overpowering and artificial, and it gave me a headache every time I lit it. The lantern itself was difficult to handle as the glass got very hot, making it hard to move or blow out the candle. I also found that the wax burned very quickly, so the lantern didn't last as long as I had hoped. Overall, this product was a disappointment and I won't be purchasing it again.
4. Mike - 1 star - I regret buying the Pumpkin Magi Lantern. The scent was nauseating and gave me a strong headache. The lantern itself was poorly constructed and the wax melted unevenly, leaving a messy residue behind. The flame also flickered inconsistently, making it difficult to keep lit. Overall, this lantern was a waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.