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Originally posted by 33girl
The difference between symbols and mascots is that symbols have a deeper meaning, mascots are usually something cute that you can give in stuffed animal form. That's a huge generalization though.
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Quote:
Originally posted by xo_kathy
Chi O's owl is a symbol, not a mascot - at least that is what I know it as (Sisters, correct me if I'm off on this). The skull and crossbones is also our symbol. I say they are symbols, not mascots, because they are included on our crest and badge. As I go through this thread it seems that when people say "mascot" it is not something on a crest or badge, but an "extra" representative of the organization. Does that make sense?!?
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Actually, the difference is that a symbol, whether included on a badge or coat-of-arms or not (although it often is) represents the organization, some fundamental tenet/value of the organization, or some aspect of the organization's history. As 33girl says, it has a deeper meaning.
A mascot, on the other hand, is basically a good luck charm. That is to say, a mascot is a person, animal or thing that brings good luck to the group. That is why colleges and university athletic teams not only have nicknames but also mascots (which may bear no discernable relationship to the nickname) that they bring onto the football field or basketball court at every game.
And Tom, of course Lambda Chi has a symbol. In my opinion (for what little it is worth), LCA's cross and crescent is one of the best and most distinctive Greek symbols around.