Sunday, December 18, 2011

How A Mascot Can Help Create Team Spirit

By Adriana Noton


From time immemorial people have believed that a specific object, animal or figure can bring them luck. Of course, modern day lucky charms are commonplace and there is hardly a sports team, social club, business or even a church without some form of mascot. In most cases, these lucky symbols are more than just a whim but serves to provide a common identity for a group of people involved in a specific activity.

The history of the term is not one hundred percent clear, but is thought to originate from the French word that can be translated as witchcraft or witch, implying a definite and direct connection with the occult. While few people will condemn modern lucky symbols as occultist, there are some ultra conservative groups and religions that warn that any form of lucky charm is wicked.

There are many different types of lucky charm. Some groups have a pet animal, loveable costumed figures are popular and even real people can serve the purpose. Organizations and teams tend to choose a representative lucky image that is convenient and that will portray the specific image that they wish to bring across. Many people, for example, associate a specific object with luck, such as lucky socks, or lucky boots.

The selection of a character to act as representative of a group is not always all that easy. Because it takes time to establish an identity, careful consideration should be given to the matter. Ideally, the symbol should be versatile for use in all kinds of environments and situations. Furthermore, it should stand out and project he norms and values of the particular group.

Apart from all other considerations, it is important to keep in mind that most successful symbols develop a history, lore and tradition of their own. This takes time and it is therefore important to select the type of symbol that will stand the test of time. Also, not everybody can identify with every type of symbol. It is therefore necessary to clearly define the physiognomies of the group or groups that are required to identify themselves with the chosen symbol.

It would be wrong to think that mascots are merely here for some good sports and cheer. They can serve an important motivating role and they have been used very successfully in marketing campaigns. It is not only specific products that are marketed, but also ideals, brands and individuals. In many cases, they serve as a visual reminder that can be far more powerful than conventional advertising.

The very idea that mascots must serve as promotional tools necessitate that they themselves must first established in the minds of the public. Companies and groups go to tremendous trouble to achieve this aim and millions are often spent to ensure that a specific symbol becomes synonymous with a particular group, team, brand or business. History has shown that the most recognizable symbols are those that have stayed in the public eye.

Millions of people can recall a specific mascot, or perhaps more than one, and instantly recall emotions and events connected to it. That is the true power of these symbols. They are able to become the symbol of a specific event, immediately triggering consciousness of specific groups or brands.




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