From an aerial view of the Commons this past weekend, you would be witness to an endless swarm of pointed black hats, and knitted striped scarves making their way downtown. The streets of Ithaca were overflowing with witchy spirit as children and adults of all ages gathered to celebrate their shared love for Harry Potter, witchcraft, and all things otherworldly.
Wizarding Weekend has taken place in Ithaca over Halloween weekend for the past two years and its third annual festival began on Friday, with a parade of every Halloween costume imaginable, Harry Potter related or otherwise.
The events continued through Sunday, but the festivities peak took place on Saturday, as vendors, enthusiasts, and performers alike all gathered to transform the typically mundane surroundings of the Commons into the world of Harry Potter. You could get your Hogwarts acceptance letter, see owls, and have your house determined by the Sorting Hat. For a moment in the eyes of fans it truly felt as though the magical brick wall
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Cotraccia hosts a monthly interview based podcast called Wizardwatch, which focuses on Harry Potter through the perspective of the fans and the personal impact it has made on them.
“We look at how the books may have inspired you to get caught up in the Harry Potter ethos, which to me is about friendship and getting involved in the community more,” Cotraccia said.
Cotraccio also strongly believes in the difference the Harry Potter fandom can make beyond the realm of the story.
“A lot of fans are doing big things in the world,” Cotraccio said. “I’ve sat down with the founder of the organization Lumos, which is an effort to eradicate the institutionalization of children in foreign countries.” Wizarding Weekend is not only a place for fans to connect, but also for vendors to show off their craftsmanship. For many sellers, Wizarding Weekend is an important stop on their festival
Bailey, Michael D. Historical Dictionary of Witchcraft. Lanham, Maryland, and Oxford: The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2003. 141-143. Print.
Belcher, C. and Stephenson, B. H. (2011). Teaching Harry Potter: The Power of Imagination in
Since the first segment of the series was released in 1997, Harry Potter has been challenged by churches and parents due to the practicing of magic by children found within the books. The books have been removed from school shelves, discouraged by churches, and censored by parents. It is claimed that Harry Potter is devilish, satanic, and encourages children to practice the occult, damaging their religious views (LaFond). Therefore, many parents keep their children from reading the book series. Yet, Harry Potter has been such a positive influence on my so many lives. Evident through the movies, theme parks, stores, and much more, J.K. Rowling’s series has been an overwhelming success for many reasons (“Because it’s his…”). In order to encourage
Ever since J.K. Rowling first introduced Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 1997, children and adults have read and loved the series. It has gained such popularity that all of the books have been made into major motion pictures, and a Harry Potter attraction has been opened in Universal Studios, Florida. Though the readers love Rowling’s intricate and exciting story lines, many controversies have arisen from these stories, not only in the United States, but also in various countries around the world. Perhaps the biggest controversy is the religious implications perceived by some critics. Although these critics believe that the series promotes paganism and encourages evil actions, these theories should not be taken so seriously.
Wolosky, Shira. "Harry Potter’s Ethical Paradigms: Augustine, Kant, and Feminist Moral Theory." Children's Literature 40.1 (2012): 191-217. Project MUSE. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. .
Witchcraft is the art or power of bringing magical or preternatural power to bear or the act or practice of attempting to do so. People who practice witchcraft are known as witches. Witchcraft along with other supernatural phenomena has become a big part of pop culture. Movies, television shows, and books such as the Harry Potter franchise, Charmed, The Wizard of Oz, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch all contain witches. Witches have moved from something that was so feared that they prompted the infamous witch-hunts, to a source of entertainment and a popular Halloween costume. The belief in the practice of magic has been around for a long time. Witchcraft is an alternative belief system and although witches are no longer being burned at the stake, there is still a huge prejudice against witches. This paper will be an investigation into the exceptional witches of the past and present, important historical events and practices of witchcraft.
Harry Potter is a fascinating tale of sorcerers, wands, broomsticks, dragons, and magic. The story begins with a young boy named Harry Potter who lives at number four Privit Drive, Surray, England. His journey begins after the death of his parents at the hands of the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry learns of his past and his future as a wizard from Hagrid, the keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He travels to Hogwarts where he learns spells and enchantments, makes new friends, finds enemies, and discovers fantastic secretes. J.K. Rowling weaves a web of impeccable storytelling with this critically acclaimed novel. In the tale of Harry Potter imagery, symbolism, and motif take central focus.
Bassham, Gregory. The ultimate Harry Potter and philosophy: Hogwarts for Muggles. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, 2010. Print.
Nexon, Daniel. ""Harry Potter" and Magical Realism." CBS News. Scholastic, 20 Jul 2007. Web. 15 Feb 2014.
A Literary Analysis of the Themes of Identity and Self-Realization in the Fantasy World of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” (Rowling 333). This quote, from the beloved character Albus Dumbledore in the book The Chamber of Secrets by author J.K. Rowling, counsels young wizard, Harry Potter, about the importance of true character. Throughout the Harry Potter series, Harry struggles with internal conflict about whether his powers are meant for good or evil. Dumbledore assures Harry his powers are intended for good because of the choices he makes. Harry learns who he truly is through the challenges he faces and the decisions that follow.
J.K. Rowling is a very prominent and noteworthy woman. She has influenced people’s lives all around the world, by writing the Harry Potter series of seven books. Rowling has given millions of dollars to charities and she has helped people all over the world enjoy reading. With her major philanthropic efforts of giving to charity or her brilliantly crafted novels, J.K. Rowling is the Dumbledore of the muggle world.
involvement: “You might be thinking who is this Harry Potter girl? And what is she
First of all, this book is fiction. The story is stated in the real world, contemporary in England, but the magic is described in this book, so there are wizards, witches, and many kinds of creatures. Of course, there are normal humans too, but they are called Muggles who donft have magic power, so they donft show up so much. Anyway, the story of this book is about Harry, who lost both parents when he was one year old, and his first life at Hogwarts School, which is for young wizards and witches. The story begins at Mr and Mrs Dursleyfs home, where Harry has lived since his parents were killed by an evil wizard named Load Voldemort. Harry is living there because Mrs. Dursley is his aunt, but this family really hates magic things, so they turn sour to him. One day, he gets a letter from Hogwarts, then, he realizes himself that he is a wizard, and he decides to go to the school. After Harry starts his new life at Hogwarts, he makes friends, learns much kind of magic, and knows about himself and his parents. Then, one day, he knows about philosopherfs stone, and also Load Voldemort is seeking it.