Tennessee Volunteers mascot dog Smokey is a beloved symbol of the University of Tennessee's athletic program. This bluetick coonhound has been a staple at football games since 1953, embodying the spirit of the Volunteers. Named after the famous Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Smokey has become a cherished mascot among fans and players alike. Smokey IX, the current mascot, is the ninth in a long line of hounds that have represented the university. Each Smokey has been a purebred bluetick coonhound, selected for their striking appearance and hunting abilities. The role of Smokey is not only to entertain the crowd, but also to act as a symbol of loyalty, determination, and strength.
Santa Claus has a convoluted, conflated origin. According to Christian Ratsch and Claudia Muller-Eberling in their Pagan Christmas, the jolly old elf’s name came from Sinterklaas, whose feast day, as patron saint of sailors and merchants, was the day before that of Saint Nicholas, the fourth-century Turkish bishop known for his generosity to children and poor people. Early legends of Saint Nicholas include his pagan sidekick, Ruprecht.
Ancient druids throughout the British Isles and northern Europe adorned their houses and temples with pine, spruce and fir to evoke everlasting life. Queen Victoria openly celebrated Christmas and all its traditions, and Americans of the day, often trying to imitate and even out-do the Victorians, hopped on the Christmas tree bandwagon.
The role of Smokey is not only to entertain the crowd, but also to act as a symbol of loyalty, determination, and strength. Smokey IX makes appearances at both home and away football games, as well as various other university events. With his distinctive blue and white checkerboard coat, Smokey instantly stands out in a crowd.
On the Yule Tree’s Origins
European pagans decorated evergreen trees, symbols of spring and life, in their homes long before Christianity.
November 16, 2017A n evergreen, its color symbolizing hope, is cut and brought inside a home warmed by a fire. Joyous people deck the tree with bright, shiny, sparkling ornaments – a brilliant contrast to the cold, possibly snowy conditions outside in the dead of winter.
But this isn’t yuletide and that’s not a Christmas tree. It’s the winter solstice and pagans of Europe, long before Christianity has reached them, literally and figuratively bring a bit of spring and life (large and green) into their dwellings during the longest, darkest night of the year.
Ancient druids throughout the British Isles and northern Europe adorned their houses and temples with pine, spruce and fir to evoke everlasting life. Scandinavians believed Balder, their sun god, favored evergreens as special plants.
“Early Romans marked the solstice with a feast called Saturnalia in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture,” according to History.com. “The Romans knew that the solstice meant that soon farms and orchards would be green and fruitful. To mark the occasion, they decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs.”
When Roman Emperor Constantine decriminalized Christianity in 313, the religion began to spread throughout Europe. These early Christians adopted and incorporated many pagan rituals (fertility rites of the spring were converted into Easter bunnies and eggs) and the Christmas tree evolved from those winter solstice celebrations.
Martin Luther is often credited with adding candles to a Christmas tree in the 1500s, but the first documented lighting of a yuletide evergreen wasn’t until 1660 in Germany.
The Moravians are believed to be the first to bring the Christmas tree to the United States in the early 1800s, according to Mental Floss. The yule tree took awhile to catch on in our country because of the heavy reach of the Puritans (in England and America) 200 years before. Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell called the Christmas tree and other yuletide celebrations “heathen traditions,” and New England leader William Bradford did his best to eliminate “pagan mockery.”
The Puritans’ influence decreased as Irish, German and Scandinavian immigrants spread across the United States in the 19th century. Queen Victoria openly celebrated Christmas and all its traditions, and Americans of the day, often trying to imitate (and even out-do) the Victorians, hopped on the Christmas tree bandwagon. They haven’t jumped off.
Americans, Oklahomans included, frequently light public Christmas trees the evening of Thanksgiving; Bricktown in Oklahoma City and Utica Square in Tulsa did just that. Others wait a little bit and don’t put up their trees until this month.
But almost all who do have their evergreens lit, tinseled and bedazzled by Dec. 21, the winter solstice, a holy, spiritual time for pagans.
He can often be seen patrolling the sidelines, barking at opposing teams and leading cheers from the Tennessee faithful. Beyond his game day duties, Smokey also serves as a goodwill ambassador for the university. He visits hospitals and schools, bringing smiles to the faces of fans young and old. Smokey's presence is a source of inspiration and pride for the Tennessee community, representing the values and traditions of the Volunteers. In conclusion, Tennessee Volunteers mascot dog Smokey is an iconic symbol of the university's athletic program. With his striking appearance and enthusiastic demeanor, Smokey embodies the spirit of the Volunteers. Through his interactions with fans and his role as a goodwill ambassador, Smokey has become a beloved figure both on and off the field..
Reviews for "Smokey the Mascot Dog: The Heart and Soul of Tennessee Volunteers"
1. Jane - 2 stars - As a dog lover, it pains me to say that I did not enjoy the Tennessee Volunteers mascot dog, Smokey. While I understand that he is a beloved symbol for the team, I found his presence during the games to be excessive. The constant barking and jumping around made it difficult for me to focus and enjoy the game. Additionally, I felt that his constant presence on the field took away attention from the actual players. Overall, I think Smokey detracts from the game experience rather than adding to it.
2. Mark - 1 star - I have to say that I found the Tennessee Volunteers mascot dog, Smokey, to be highly irritating. The constant barking during the games was not only distracting but also unnecessary. I understand the idea behind having a live mascot, but Smokey seemed more like a nuisance than a symbol of team spirit. I would much rather watch a game without the added distraction of a barking dog running around the field.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - While I appreciate the tradition and significance of having a mascot like Smokey, I personally found his presence at Tennessee Volunteers games to be underwhelming. The dog seemed disinterested and often distracted, making his appearances more of a chore than something enjoyable to watch. I understand that having a live mascot can be unpredictable at times, but I expected a more energetic and engaged performance from Smokey. Overall, I was disappointed with the mascot and believe that there are better ways to enhance the game experience.