pet background

The history of pets dates back to cavemen and early societies that hunted for a living. The earliest accounts of masked, often animal-like, creatures were drawn or etched on cave walls and depicted in ancient art. Totem poles were full of animal likenesses in ancient cultures. These resemblances are much like the concept of team mascots evident on soccer fields and basketball courts. Usually in ancient times, the history of pets shows that these resemblances were often adored. This was especially true during the hunting and gathering seasons. Ancient tribal peoples dressed in the likeness of animals or totem poles to arouse good will from them. They believed that this would help with successful hunts and bountiful harvests. Additionally, ancient cultures dressed in masks or animal figures for fertility purposes. Many would dance in the “mascot” costume to bring about the fertility of the people in their tribe or village.

evolution of pets

Society has come a long way in its current version of pets. Mascots as we know them today have had the same style and incarnation since the 19th century. They began to crop up on high school and college playing fields during that time. Live animals were often used as official team mascots, with athletes proudly wearing a mascot patch on their uniform. The maintenance and care of live animals became costly and cumbersome, so they were largely eliminated. They evolved to resemble the puppet versions we see today.

they have personality

Pets are now seen as artists and entertainers with traits that now make them an art form. They have become an embodiment of what the team is and can be correlated to the location of the team or some other overriding characteristic that makes the team unique. Effective mascots don’t learn their stage presence in a classroom. Having the ability to become one with the character and mirror it through physical action is crucial to being a believable mascot. The person must be able to let go of her individuality and really get into character. Pets are especially popular with children. They must act in a way that is child-friendly and not intimidating.

The nicer a pet is, the more approachable it is. Also, they will be well received by fans of all ages. The mascot position wields a lot of power over crowds in games. They have the ability to really get the crowd involved in the game or make a bad attempt and turn the crowd against them.

Pets as symbols

Throughout the history of mascots, symbology is an important component that continues to surface. Pets are often labeled with names that indicate gender and/or certain attributes. For example, a pet named Robbie the Rabbit would indicate a fast moving male rabbit. This does a lot to create an image in the minds of fans and anyone thinking of the particular team the mascot represents. Fans will also expect the mascot to react consistently and specifically to them on an ongoing basis.

If a mascot is in the habit of doing a certain dance, fans may be disappointed if the mascot decides not to do the famous dance on game day. It is a unique piece of work and the rich history of pets continues to unfold as time goes on. It is a position that requires creativity, consistency, individuality and strong symbology. Pets may not be worshiped the way they were in ancient societies, but they are powerful images etched in the minds of fans everywhere. Many times the team is identical to the pet itself.