Mascot (noun) a person, an animal, or an object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an orgainization such as a sports team
Mascotte (French) sorcerer's charm
Masco (Latin) witch, specter (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)
History of the Mascot...
- Before mascots were charging across fields and good-naturedly harassing sports officials and players, they could be found donning numerous cave walls or topping totem poles. The use of mascots goes back literally to the start of civilization. Although, they weren't then called by their current name, these pictures and sculptures served the same purpose as the modern day mascot.
- Early man painted various creatures on cave walls and created totem poles depicting certain wild animals, hoping that some of the animals' more formidable powers would be magically transferred to them and their people. In times of harvest or sickness, in hopes of healing the sick or conquering their enemies, these same people would dress in costume form in likenesses to these powerful animals. Who could blame them for trying? Who doesn't admire the sheer power of the bear, the cunning of the fox, the majestic air of the eagle or the grace of the big cats?
- It wasn't until the 1800's however, that the concept of a mascot as an animal, person, or thing bringing luck was established. A French composer, Edmond Audran wrote an operetta called La Mascotte. It told of a story of a pure farm girl who continuely brought good luck wherever and to whomever she encountered--that is, for as long as she stayed pure. Hence the English translation--mascot!!
- In the late 1800's, these symbols of prowess and cunning found their way onto American college campuses. It wasn't long before mascot symbols graced the uniforms of every sports team across the nation-high school and college teams alike! This mascot mania, or spirit building, led to the use of so-called domesticated wild animals on the sidelines. However, character mascots soon mastered the picture. Using live animals was costly and could get pretty dangerous ( not mentioning very messy!).
- These new mascots wowed the crowds and uplifted the players' spirits with their performances, comic relief and charismatic power. Mascots took a pride in their talent to captivate and elevate the crowd, soon making mascotting not only a sport but also an art. Undoubtedly, mascots have earned a significant place in their school's history and traditions!
Got the Mascot Mania? Did you know...
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