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.
To regain his freedom, Atahualpa promised Pizzaro a ransom the size of the large room he was imprisoned in, filled once with gold and twice with silver. Over the next few months, and to the astonishment of the conquistadores, the Inca’s subjects collected this enormous quantity of precious metals from throughout the empire—possibly the largest ransom ever paid for any individual in history. Pizzaro accepted the ransom but continued to hold Atahualpa as a hostage for months, then had the Inca ruler executed in August 1533.
In sizes ranging from fine powder to large nuggets, heavy gold washes downward into streams and rivers, and collects in accumulations with quartz sand. Avarice can be found in Kehjistan and will spawn in a specific location within the zone known as Seared Basin , located Northeast in Kehjistan, or just all the way North from the Tarsarak Waypoint.
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.
Andean Gold – Gift and Curse
For thousands of years, the ancient Andean people revered gold. They collected nuggets and flakes of this luminous metal in icy river water and dug small mining tunnels and quarries. They created exquisite gold art objects to be used as offerings in their religious rituals and to decorate prestigious individuals, both living and dead. The Incas worshiped Inti, the Sun god, and they considered gold the sweat of the Sun, and their emperor the son of the Sun. They shaped gold into large discs that represented the Sun, and when they covered the exterior walls of important temples with thin hammered sheets of this metal, the reflected sunlight created a brilliance that could be seen for miles.
Inca figurine of a llama in gold; 2 inches high (about 1500 CE)
In the rugged high Andes Mountains, gold is associated with volcanic rocks and in quartz veins disseminated throughout granitic rocks. The erosive forces of wind, water and scouring glacial ice eventually break down these rocks, freeing fragments of the dense and shiny metal. In sizes ranging from fine powder to large nuggets, heavy gold washes downward into streams and rivers, and collects in accumulations with quartz sand.
Arrival of the Conquistadores and Collapse of an Empire
The gold that the ancient Andeans used throughout their history ultimately led to the fall of the Inca Empire–the largest, greatest and last of the ancient civilizations of South America. In the sixteenth century, lust for precious metals lured Spanish conquistadores high into the Andes of modern northern Peru. On November 16, 1532, Francisco Pizzaro, accompanied by a tattered group of 168 soldiers, with 62 mounted on horses, marched into Cajamarca. In the conflict than ensued, Pizarro and his men captured the reigning Supreme Inca, Atahualpa, and massacred thousands of his soldier attendants.
To regain his freedom, Atahualpa promised Pizzaro a ransom the size of the large room he was imprisoned in, filled once with gold and twice with silver. Over the next few months, and to the astonishment of the conquistadores, the Inca’s subjects collected this enormous quantity of precious metals from throughout the empire—possibly the largest ransom ever paid for any individual in history. Pizzaro accepted the ransom but continued to hold Atahualpa as a hostage for months, then had the Inca ruler executed in August 1533.
Capture of Atahualpa on 16 November 1532 by John Everett Millais (1845)
Spanish chroniclers recorded fabulous art objects in the ransom collection, but nearly all were melted down in furnaces, said to have burned for months. Shipment after shipment of blocks of Andean gold and silver were sent off to Spain. The Spanish then turned their attention to metal production from the Inca mines. They also found an even easier route to collect precious metals: looting.
The lands of the Incas and their ancestors may top the list of the most intensively looted ancient centers of civilization on the planet. The conquistadores began this practice when they realized that tombs of ancient Andean nobility held vast stores of silver and gold objects. Looting became synonymous with mining, and they actually divided ancient monuments into claim areas with titles assigned and registered in Spanish archives. The staggering monetary value of the precious metals shipped from the Andes powered the Spanish empire for many years and transformed the economy of Europe.
Andean Gold in the Modern World
Rich deposits of gold continue to be found in the Andes Mountains today. With globalization and an economic model rooted in commodity exports, Peru and other Latin America countries are major exporters of metals. Gold mining ranges from small-scale and mostly illegal operations to massive open-pit quarries operated by multinational companies. Illegal “artisanal” mining is widespread. The miners go to difficult areas–the jungles of the Amazon and the cold high mountains. These include Mt Ananea, with the sprawling and impoverished settlement of La Rinconada at an elevation of 16,700 feet (5,100 m), a difficult place for any type of life and reportedly the highest permanent human settlement on Earth.
Abundant gold found in river sediments is mined in the lowlands of the Amazon Basin in small operations. In these rainforests, widespread deforestation and sedimentation of rivers are a disastrous result of the mining. The miners use mercury amalgamation for gold-processing and large amounts of mercury released into rivers and streams are causing serious environmental contamination. (See my post: https://roseannechambers.com/the-dark-side-of-gold/) In the high mountains, thousands work in “informal” mines with hand tools and labor practices underground that are little changed from centuries ago. Women and children pick through the rocky spoil piles from these mines, scavenging for any shiny bits that have been overlooked. Driven by poverty, the mining frenzy increases as spot prices for gold rise, with virtually all seekers harboring a hope for potential riches that are almost always elusive.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is one of the largest mines on Earth, the enormous open-pit Yanacocha gold mine near Cajamarca (ironically, the city where Pizarro imprisoned Inca Atahualpa in 1532). A joint venture of a Peruvian company and U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corporation, this mine began production in 1993. The operation has a long and sordid history, including severe environmental degradation, intimidation of activists opposing the mining, and minimal sharing of economic benefits with the indigenous residents of the region.
Yanacocha goldmine near Cajamarca in northern Peru
Similar large-scale mining operations exist for metallic resources throughout Andean countries. In this economic model, multinational mining corporations from the United States and Canada, plus countries like China, invest in major mining projects. The metals are sent off to other continents and hundreds of millions of dollars in profits are pocketed by people in major cities that are thousands of miles away from the Andes. Popular protest and environmental justice movements are speaking out against these extractive industries and making demands that corporations invest in the communities where they are exploiting resources.
Gold helped to shape ancient Andean cultures–and continues to play a role in the lives of the Andean people today. It is truly a gift and a curse.
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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 "Celestial Connections: Pumpkin Magi Lanterns and Harvest Moon"
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.