History Of Mascots

Background of Mascots The history of mascots datesbecome one with the character and reflect this
back to cavemen and early societies who hunted forthrough physical action is crucial to being a believable
their livelihood. Early accounts of masked creatures,mascot. The person must be able to put their
often resembling animals were drawn or etched onindividuality aside and really get into character. Mascots
cave walls and depicted in ancient art. Totem polesare especially popular with children. They need to act in
were filled with likenesses of animals in ancienta way that is child-friendly and not intimidating. The
cultures. These likenesses are much like the conceptmore personable a mascot is, the more approachable
of the team mascots evident on football fields andthey will be. Plus they will be well-received by fans of
basketball courts. Usually in ancient times the history ofall ages. The position of mascot wields a lot of power
mascots' shows that these likenesses were oftenover crowds at games. They have the ability to either
worshiped. This was especially true during times ofreally involve the crowd in the game, or make a poor
hunting and harvest. Ancient tribal people would dressattempt and cause the crowd to turn on them.
up in the likeness of animals or those on totem polesMascots as Symbols Throughout the history of
to incite goodwill from them. They believed this wouldmascots, symbology is a major component that keeps
help with successful hunts and bountiful harvests. Also,rising to the surface. Mascots are often tagged with
ancient cultures would dress up in masks or animal likenames that indicate gender and/or certain attributes.
figures for purposes of fertility. Many would dance inFor example, a mascot called Robbie the Rabbit would
the "mascot" like costume to bring about fertility forindicate a male rabbit that is fast on its feet. This does
people in their tribe or village. Evolution of Mascotsa lot to create an image in the mind of fans and
Society has come a long way in its current version ofanyone thinking about the particular team the mascot
mascots. Mascots as we know them today haverepresents. Fans will also come to expect the mascot
been in the same style and incarnation since the 1800's.to react in consistent and specific ways to them on a
They began to spring up on high school and collegecontinual basis. If a mascot has a habit of doing a
playing fields during that era. Often live animals werecertain dance, fans may be disappointed if the mascot
used as the official mascots of teams, and athletesdecides not to do the famous dance on game day. It is
were proudly wearing a patch with the mascot ona unique job and the rich history of mascots continues
their uniform. The maintenance and upkeep of liveto unfold as time goes by. It is a position that requires
animals became costly and cumbersome, so theycreativity, consistency, individuality, and strong
were largely eliminated. They evolved to resemble thesymbology. Mascots may not be worshiped like they
puppet-like versions we see today. They've gotwere in ancient societies, but they are powerful
Personality Mascots are now seen as artists andimages etched upon the minds of fans everywhere.
entertainers with traits that now make it an art form.Many times the team is synonymous with the mascot
They have come to be an embodiment of what theitself.
team is and may correlate to the location of the team,Loonie Times manufactures the World's Most lovable
or some other overriding characteristic that makes theMascots, Custom designed Mascots, Costumes and
team unique. Effective mascots do not learn theirCharacters. Enjoy our Mascot Gallery.
stage presence from a classroom. Having the ability to