One of the more unique homecoming traditions is “pomping,” the transformation of chicken wire and tissue paper into works of art gracing LSU’s campus.
Pomping traces its roots back to the early twentieth century, developing in popularity and importance with the homecoming parade.
The LSU Archives holds many pictures of past decorations, which were constructed to reflect the organization’s competitive attitude and support of the University.
Judges usually include professors as well as other members of the LSU community.
While many decorations festively portray the organization’s school spirit, some organizations even voiced their political opinions, offering an interesting look back to Louisiana’s past.
Delta Kappa Epsilon gave their political views concerning the 1971 gubernatorial election, featuring candidates created, head-to-toe, from tissue paper.
A sign explained the tableau: “The State That Gave You Jack Gremillion, Bill Dodd and Don McKeithen- Super Star Proudly Presents Davis and the Singing Sunshines!”
Sororities also proudly display intricate exhibitions of chicken wire and tissue paper outside their houses.
Each sorority is paired with a fraternity, and the groups compete in a contest for best display among the Greek community.
“I know pomping takes a long time, but it really is rewarding when you step back and see your finished product,” said Margarette Breaux, an architecture sophomore . “You really bond with your sisters when you stay in the house all week at all hours of the night working for the same cause.”
“Traditionally, [pomping] has been a homecoming activity associated with the Greek system, but in the past, every organization on campus participated in the competition,” said Student Government member Steven Scales.
Pomping involves a group of people working long hours together to create a final project, as the Honors College did last year.
Workers devoted two weeks of hard work to create their first-place-winning bayou-themed design, the first year the organization was involved in the contest.
Organizations participating in the “independent lawn decoration” contest use this year’s theme, “Rock and Roar,” as a springboard for design ideas.
By registering in the Residential Hall decoration contest, the Honors College is competing against the other dormitories.
Although the end product is very satisfying, the time factor is a huge concern, said Dustin Deshotels, an economics senior. The Honors College spent a full two weeks last year on the pomping project. Recruiting enough workers to dedicate their extra time to being involved in such a large project is also tough, since midterms and homecoming are so close together.
“It’s hard to find people to work on our designs when they have tests. We’re trying to reduce our work load by reusing some of our major pomping from last year, including Mike the Tiger,” Deshotels said.