The black lace witch hat is an iconic accessory often associated with Halloween and witchcraft. It is a hat made from black lace fabric that is typically designed with a tall, conical shape and a wide brim. The intricate lacework of the hat gives it an elegant and mysterious appeal. The witch hat has a long history and has been depicted in various folklore and fantasy stories. It is commonly associated with witches and their magical abilities. In medieval Europe, wearing a pointed hat was often seen as a symbol of witchcraft, leading to the association between witches and their iconic headgear.

Mississippi is keeping its Rebels nickname but changing its mascot to … a landshark?

The University of Mississippi has long batted down calls to change both the “Ole Miss” moniker it often uses when talking about its athletic teams and its Rebels nickname. In 2016, for instance, Chancellor Jeffrey S. Vitter wrote in a letter to the university community that both were here to stay because they are “endearing” and because they . . . help with the school’s SEO?

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I can assure you that we will continue to use the terms Ole Miss and Rebels as endearing nicknames for the university. Data show that the term Ole Miss is broadly viewed as one of connection and affection, with strongly positive national (and international) recognition. It is one of the more known and respected (and frankly, envied) college brands. People searching on the Web for information about our university are seven times more likely to use the term Ole Miss than University of Mississippi, and the term Ole Miss evokes a more positive image than does even University of Mississippi. Similarly, the term Rebels, which originally was a link to the Confederacy, is used today in a completely different and positive way: to indicate someone who bucks the status quo, an entrepreneur, a trendsetter, a leader. Sharon and I are proud to be Ole Miss Rebels. However, as we continue to use the terms Ole Miss and Rebels, we must always use accompanying images and symbols that are consistent with the positive meanings we advocate.

Instead, the school has tinkered with its mascot. Colonel Reb was removed from the sidelines at the school’s athletic events in 2003, and in 2010 a new mascot — Rebel the Bear — was created after lots of student committee meetings and the like. But that mascot never quite caught on, and on Friday the school announced a new mascot that also is a shark.

A landshark, to be specific.

Ole Miss will change its mascot to the landshark, per report

It will be the Rebels’ third mascot change since 2003.

In medieval Europe, wearing a pointed hat was often seen as a symbol of witchcraft, leading to the association between witches and their iconic headgear. The black lace witch hat has become a staple accessory for Halloween costumes, especially for those who want to dress up as witches. It adds a touch of authenticity and flair to any witch costume, helping to create a spooky and enchanting look.

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Magnolia State Live reported today that Ole Miss will officially be changing its mascot to the landshark, retiring Rebel Black Bear.

BREAKING: Ole Miss boots Rebel Black Bear, adopts the landshark as the official university mascot

— Alex McDaniel (@AlexMcDaniel) October 6, 2017

Chancellor Jeff Vitter announced the move in a letter to university stakeholders, according to the report. The landshark received 81 percent of the vote in a student referendum last Friday.

The athletics department will design, develop, and launch the landshark mascot, with an anticipated unveiling before the 2018 season, and Rebel the Bear is retired effective immediately.

Landshark mascot won’t be unveiled until before ‘18 season. Rebel the Bear (RIP) wont be at Vandy game, it’s retired as of today. https://t.co/zNQapLbCIq

— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) October 6, 2017

Vitter said in a statement: “Today, I’m excited to announce that we will move forward with the Landshark as the official mascot and retire Rebel the Bear. the growth of the Landshark mystique over the last seven years has been phenomenal with every athletics team embracing it, including such standouts as Marshall Henderson with basketball and Kaitlin Lee with softball, in leading their respective teams to SEC championships. I want to state unequivocally that we are — and always will be — the Ole Miss Rebels. And I am asking all Rebels to unite around our new Landshark mascot.”

The landshark has been the unofficial mascot of the Ole Miss defense since 2008. That year, the Rebels rode a strong defense to a 9-4 record and a victory over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The term “landshark” came from Army veteran Tony Fein, who served a one-year tour in Iraq before playing two years for the Rebels.

It will be the third mascot change for Ole Miss since 2003, when Colonel Reb was booted off the sidelines and Rebel the black bear replaced him in 2010.

It’s safe to say that the athletics department endorses the move.

Ole Miss Introduces Landshark Tony As New On-Field Mascot

Ole Miss this weekend introduced Landshark Tony, the new on-field mascot that "replaces the black bear" and is a "nod to the football team’s 'Landshark Defense' that was coined" in '08 by former player Tony Fein, according to Kate Magandy of the Biloxi SUN HERALD. The school also "released new logos that incorporate the landshark logo, as well as new social media accounts." The mascot wears Fein's No. 47. Ole Miss is not dropping its Rebels nickname (Biloxi SUN HERALD, 8/12). In Alabama, Creg Stephenson notes the Colonel Reb mascot "stopped appearing on the Ole Miss sidelines" in '03 after the school made a "conscious effort to move away from symbols related to the Civil War." The Black Bear mascot "first appeared" in '10 following a vote by students, but it had been "universally unpopular with much of the Ole Miss fan base before being 'retired' last year" (AL.com, 8/11). In Mississippi, Jake Thompson noted the mascot debate has been a "polarizing one at Ole Miss for decades and finding the perfect balance amongst the fan base was a key priority" (OXFORD EAGLE, 8/12).

TRUST THE PROCESS? In Jackson, Maddie Lee noted this was the "culmination of a process that started in earnest when the Ole Miss Associated Student Body announced in September that it was going to conduct a poll testing the potential support behind changing" the Rebels' on-field mascot." Hattiesburg-based Rare Design "took the lead on developing logos and new branding and refining the mascot design." For the the actual costume, Rare Design "connected Ole Miss with Nascent Perspective Studios and Jessee Clarkson," who has "worked in the art departments of movies" including "Iron Man," "Watchmen" and "Alien vs. Predator." Ole Miss Associate AD/Sports Productions & Creative Services Micah Ginn said, “We wanted this to be a landshark that had never been seen before, a character who had never been seen before, and put a whole lot of detail and thought and intentionality into the design.” An Ole Miss spokesperson said that the "whole venture, including branding, a new website, costume design and multiple costumes, cost somewhere between $50,000 to 75,000." It was "privately funded by the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation." The Landshark launch committee "wanted the mascot to strike a balance between being intimidating but also not scaring young children" (Jackson CLARION-LEDGER, 8/12).

OFF THE MARK: USA TODAY's Michelle Martinelli wrote the mascot is "actually terrifying." Not in a "traditional 'Jaws' shark way," but in a "kind of weird and creepy looking, like the costume was haphazardly thrown together in the dark." It "doesn’t look like a real shark," and it "kind of looks like an iron" (USATODAY.com, 8/11). Twitter also was not very kind to the new mascot. AL.com's Michael Casagrande: "Landshark Tony sounds like a bookie with no time for your excuses." RedditCFB: "Ole Miss has a new mascot, and he's already in the running with Purdue Pete for the most nightmare-inducing in the country." Mississippi state Senator Chris McDaniel: "The political correctness dominating Ole Miss is embarrassing." The mascot also was derided by numerous fans of rival SEC teams (TWITTER.com, 8/11).

The hat's dark color and lace detailing contribute to the overall witchy aesthetic. In addition to Halloween costumes, the black lace witch hat can also be used for other occasions, such as themed parties or theatrical performances. Its unique and eye-catching design makes it a versatile accessory that can add a touch of drama and fantasy to various outfits. To care for a black lace witch hat, it is important to handle it with care to avoid damaging the delicate lace fabric. It is usually recommended to store the hat in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Gently dusting off any dirt or debris from the hat can help maintain its appearance. Overall, the black lace witch hat is an iconic and timeless accessory that adds a touch of magic and mystery to any costume or outfit. Its intricate lacework and symbolic association with witches make it a popular choice for Halloween and other themed events. Whether worn by a witch or someone looking to channel their inner enchantress, the black lace witch hat is a must-have accessory for those seeking an eerie and captivating look..

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The Black Lace Witch Hat: A Fashion Icon from Past to Present