Symbols vs. Mascots

[astbunny]

I'm a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and I'll correct the first posted reply. Our national SYMBOL is the anchor but each chapter has the option of choosing a mascot. Some common ones are alligators, penguins, and butterflies. Our chapter's mascot is a bunny.

[ztabchbum]

You are correct with ZTA. Our national symbols are the crown and strawberries and each chapter has it's own mascot. The Beta Psi chapter (Stetson Univ.) has the butterfly which was recently changed from the bunny .

[MysticCat]

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.

and

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?!?

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.

[xo_kathy]

Leave it to MysticCat!!!

That's exactly what I meant about the owl but couldn't say so eloquently! I suppose then the owl could be a symbol AND a mascot, 'cuz I have some pretty cute stuffed owls!

[nyrdrms]

Hey GPhiAngel....I had never heard of the Gammy Bug before either until the new history books, The Legacy of Gamma Phi Beta came out this year. If you buy one or find someone who has one, the Gammy Bug is on page 30.

[greeklawgirl]

Originally posted by LeslieAGD
AGD's mascot is the squirrel and, according to IHQ, the symbol is the fourteen pearls (although I've never really heard of it discussed as a symbol, just the jewel).

If I remember correctly, IHQ also states that--aside from the 14 pearls--the other official symbol of Alpha Gamma Delta is the annulet.

IMO, the annulet is very simple and pretty and it has an enormous amount of meaning for an Alpha Gam. I just wish that IHQ did a better job of publicizing that, because last year was the first I've ever heard of the annulet being an official symbol along the lines of a key, anchor, arrow and the like.

[sailboatgirl]

In addition to the sailboat, the skull and crossbones is also a symbol for tri sigma...it's on our badge!

[EagleChick19]

Originally posted by astbunny
I'm a member of Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority and I'll correct the first posted reply. Our national SYMBOL is the anchor but each chapter has the option of choosing a mascot. Some common ones are alligators, penguins, and butterflies. Our chapter's mascot is a bunny.

Thanks for the correction.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally posted by greeklawgirl
If I remember correctly, IHQ also states that--aside from the 14 pearls--the other official symbol of Alpha Gamma Delta is the annulet.

IMO, the annulet is very simple and pretty and it has an enormous amount of meaning for an Alpha Gam. I just wish that IHQ did a better job of publicizing that, because last year was the first I've ever heard of the annulet being an official symbol along the lines of a key, anchor, arrow and the like.

What is an annulet? Can you post a pic?

[Lisa Fishman]

annulet- meaning "little ring" as stated by Webster's Dictionary.

[greeklawgirl]

Lisa has it exactly right. An annulet is a heraldic device that looks like a ring.

Here's a link: Annulet

You will find three annulets on Alpha Gamma Delta's Armorial Bearings, and their meanings are revealed at Initiation.