Hogwarts Houses And The Sorting Of New Students

At the beginning of each new school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Harry Potter sorting hat decides which house new students will be assigned to. This magical hat assigns students to one of four houses, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw house.

Each of the four houses bears the last name of its founder.  Following are the qualities that each of the founders appreciated in his or her students.

Godric Gryffindor praised courage and strength of heart. Salazar Slytherin valued determination and resourcefulness. Rowena Ravenclaw appreciated wisdom and intelligence. Helga Hufflepuff favored honesty and dedication.

The original owner of the sorting hat was Godric Gryffindor. The Headmaster is the keeper of the sorting hat, also called the talking hat, until the sorting ceremony when it is brought forth to the assembly.

During the sorting ceremony each first year student has his or her name read out. When their name is called they come forth, take a seat, and the sorting hat is placed on their head. After deliberating for a moment the sorting hat announces the house the student is to be assigned to. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute for the sorting hat to deliberate. It is also possible that the Harry Potter sorting hat may speak directly to the student before making a decision as in the case of Harry Potter.

In the case of Harry Potter the sorting hat announced that fame and glory would come to him if he joined Slytherin House.  In spite of this, Harry was specific about his desire to join Gryffindor because both of his parents had been there. He convinced the sorting hat to comply with his request and was placed in Gryffindor house

The Harry Potter sorting hat has also been known to warn of imminent danger. It is not clear how the sorting hat gets this information but has been proposed that it could be from the headmaster Dumbledore.

The sorting hat is an interesting character and plays a significant role at Hogwarts. No Hogwarts party should be without one!

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Plan Your Own Hogwarts Party!

Adults and children from around the world have been following the adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

With a few Harry Potter accessories you can create your own Hogwarts experience right in your own home with family and friends! What a great way to celebrate birthdays, dress up for Halloween or just have some fun!

Here are some essential Harry Potter accessories you will need when planning your Harry Potter costume.

1.    Harry Potter Wands
Wands are used to cast focused spells and to channel magical powers. These long, thin rods of wood have a magical substance at their core. Although it is possible to perform spells without the use of wands it is very difficult and requires great concentration and skill.

2.    Harry Potter Scarf

An official red and gold striped scarf from House Gryffindor will add the finishing touch to your Harry Potter costume.

3.    Harry Potter Robe
A robe is a loose-fitting outer garment worn by Hogwarts students to attend classes. Each student is expected to own three sets of standard black robes with their house emblem. A robe is different than a cape because it usually has sleeves.

4.    Harry Potter Broom
Wizards and witches use brooms to transport themselves from one location to another. In the world of Harry Potter, magical flying brooms are used primarily in the sport Quidditch.

5.    Harry Potter Sorting Hat
The sorting hat magically determines to which of the four school houses each new student will be assigned. This happens during the opening banquet of the new school year. Each new student takes a seat on a stool and the hat is placed on his or her head. After a moment the hat announces its choice for all to hear.

6.    Harry Potter Glasses
Round-rimmed glasses create Harry’s signature look and will make your Harry Potter costume look authentic.

Thrift and consignment stores are great places to shop for items that can be used to make your Harry Potter costumes. Another popular option is to purchase items online. There are some great deals to be found and they are quickly shipped right to your door.

Whether you decide to create or buy your Harry Potter accessories you will have fun escaping into the world of Harry Potter!

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