Spirits rise with "Light Totem"

As the crowd slowly chanted, gathering in volume and energy, streaks of color ran up and down the “Light Totem.” Finally, as the voices gathered together in total unity, the full vibrant hues lit up the totem entirely.

The light reflected onto the walls of the IU Art Museum, switching between the warm hues of orange, yellow and red as well as the cool tones of blue and purple.

After more than a year of restoration, the iconic “Light Totem” had finally returned home.

Regional favorites The Dynamics played throughout the evening, providing music to match the lights of the totem.

Crowds of new students attending orientation attended the event to experience the classic IU tradition of seeing the “Light Totem.”

“I have always heard people talking about the tradition of laying against the wall and watching the flashing light,” IU sophomore Erin Wilde said.

At around 9:30 p.m., as the sun began to disappear and the dark of night painted the sky, the “Light Totem” was lit. Varying in hue and pattern, the lights reflected against the exterior of the art museum.

“Seeing the ‘Light Totem’ restored was something that means a lot for new students, because we feel once again connected with our families and friends who have enjoyed the tradition and thought of it as a precious piece of their life,” Wilde said.

After the sun went down and there was less humidity lingering in the air, guests danced and enjoyed a fire show from the Kali Ma Fire Troupe under the glow of the “Light Totem.”

Keenek said while the “Light Totem” is aesthetically beautiful, it also provides a sense of safety, belonging and comfort for students.

More than 1,000 students, faculty members and local residents gathered together for the event Saturday evening.

“You can see families with little babies and new students who were so excited to see the light for the first time, all in celebration of such a beautiful and enjoyable tradition,” Keenek said.