‘Cousins’ carve over 150 pumpkins, share traditions

By Simeng Dai, The Oklahoma Daily

The lights of more than 150 pumpkin lanterns carved by OU Cousins were flickering together in the Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center Wednesday night.

The classic jack-o-lantern

More than 350 students took part in the fourth annual pumpkin-carving event, said Quy Nguyen, assistant director for Student Life and Campus Activities Council. This is one of the organization’s most popular events of the fall semester, and Wednesday’s turnout was impressive, Nguyen said.
“We love to host this event because it is a great way to share an American tradition with our OU Cousins,” Nguyen said. “Carving a pumpkin is a great job for two people,” Nguyen said.

Irene Martens, a translation senior and exchange student from Spain worked with her OU partner Amber Morrow, psychology junior. It was Martens’ first time to carve a pumpkin, and it took the pair 20 minutes to carve their design.

“My dad is strong and he always help us with the pumpkin,” Morrow said. “We do it every year.”

It was also Morrow’s first year to participate in this OU Cousins event after joining the organization this semester, she said. Morrow wanted to know more about different cultures and countries after studying in Italy last summer, which inspired her to join, she said.

Read the full story by Simeng Dai of the Oklahoma Daily.