Having a mascot is a great way to promote a business or organization, engage with customers, and create a memorable experience. Mascots are often associated with sports teams, but they can also be used by businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations. If you are in need of mascot services near you, there are several options to consider. One option is to hire a professional mascot performer or team. These performers are trained to bring characters to life and interact with the audience. They can create a unique and entertaining experience for your customers or event attendees.
Centuries later, Halloween customs were brought to the United States by immigrants from Ireland, Scotland and other ancient homelands of the Celts. As an 1894 article in Christian Work describes the holiday: Halloween is a night "when witches, evil spirits, and all mischief brewing sprites went forth on dark and mysterious midnight revels.”
It was done in hopes that the good magic will help to preserve the harvested food through the dark half of the year, until the next growing season could replenish the community s food stocks. That name eventually morphed into Halloween, and it became the time when Christians could turn the supernatural symbolism and rituals of Samhain into spooky fun.
They can create a unique and entertaining experience for your customers or event attendees. Another option is to rent a mascot costume. Many costume rental companies offer a wide variety of mascot costumes for various occasions.
Samhain/Halloween Rituals for Honoring the Dead
I've been a practicing witch for a good portion of my life, but throughout the years, I haven't always been great about celebrating every single Sabbat (pagan holiday). Halloween, however, has been the one exception. It's called Samhain (pronounced sow-en or sow-een) in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, which is what my spiritual practice is based around, and it's one of the holiest days of the year. Samhain actually marks the Celtic New Year, the final harvest before Earth truly descents into winter, darkness, and death. At this closing, ancient Celts (and modern Pagans) believe the boundaries between the living world and spirit realm are thinnest and our ancestors may walk among us or communicate with us more easily than any other time of year.
The tradition of dressing up and wearing costumes comes from pagan practices of dressing as animals or ancestors to communicate with them and invoke their wisdom during this sacred time. Mexicans paint skulls on their faces to honor and invoke their dead loved ones during Dia de los Muertes. Christians honor their saints and celebrate All Saints Day.
The greatest loss I've experienced in my lifetime was my Nana, my paternal grandmother, when I was eleven. She lived with us and was essentially my mother as my own was not very present in my life. She was a devout Catholic and while I never really connected with Christianity for a multitude of reasons (even though we went to church regularly in my youth), something permanently severed for me after her death. I couldn't force myself to believe in a God who would take such a devout woman from us, a woman who was practically the center of my world. It just didn't make sense to me. It was around this time I began to explore other spiritual paths and I found one that centered on nature, that revered women, and that honored the loved ones who had passed on - without requiring belief of a higher power. That's an oversimplification of what paganism is, but it's what initially drew me to it.
My Samhain altar.Anyway, ever since I can remember, I've honored my Nana in some way on Halloween/Samhain, talking to her, updating her on my life, thanking her for the time we had together. Over the years, I have added other loved ones who have passed on into my rituals, visiting their graves when weather permits and talking to them too. If you'd like to incorporate honoring the dead into your life, here are a few suggestions:
- Create an ancestor altar in your home with photos and keepsakes
- Add photos and keepsakes of your ancestors and deceased loved ones to your "main" altar
- Do a ritual at their grave (see mine below)
- Can't get to their grave? Light a candle or incense for them at home and meditate, picturing them in your mind and catch them up on your life, ask for their guidance
Our ancestor altar at our wedding.
What follows is the ritual I created in 2007 and have followed ever since. I tend to work with Greek and Celtic gods and goddesses as a way of directing and envisioning a particular energy or emotion, but please feel free to adapt this to your own spiritual practices, whether you're pagan or not, and whether you're doing this graveside or not. I do not believe anyone needs to define themself as a part of a larger religious group to be spiritual, nor do I believe any ritual needs to be followed to a T or done in a specific way. Honoring your dead is very personal and you should do what feels comfortable and right for you.
Samhain Graveside Ritual
Supplies Needed:
- bowl or shaker of salt
- incense
- black or blue candle
- blessed water (could be blessed by the full moon or infused with the powers of herbs or crystals or holy water)
- pentacle
The Ritual:
1. Stand in front of the grave and center yourself with three deep breaths. Then say:
Hades, god of the underworld, hear my plea ~
Pass on my message of love
To those you have taken from me.
Let the elements dance around
The body of [loved one's name] buried in this ground.
2. Sprinkle salt around the grave, saying:
Earth ~
For the ground in which [name] rests,
That once ran beneath [his/her/their] feet,
I beseech thee ~
3. Light your incense and walk with it around the grave, saying:
Air ~
For the time we spent breathing in the same,
And the wisdom [name] passed on to me,
I beseech thee ~
4. Light your candle and walk with it around the grave, saying:
Fire ~
For the passion and love that burned within [name]'s heart,
And for the warmth they brought into my life that I will never forget,
I beseech thee ~
5. Sprinkle water around the grave, saying:
Water ~
For the many tears I have shed,
Each a memory I'll never forget,
I beseech thee ~
6. Now is a good time to share remembrances, thanks, things you wish you had said, and catch your loved one up on your life. It's okay to cry!
7. Once you're ready to say goodbye again, hold your pentacle to the sky or put it on the grave and say:
Spirit ~
Take my words with thee,
Past Hades and let [name] see
All that [she/he/they] meant to me.
Let [him/her/them], for this night, roam free
Let them commune with me
Until the Witching Hour is known,
Then let [name] return to [his/her their] earthly home.
So mote it be!
Lead photo credit: Caroline Attwood via Unsplash
This can be a cost-effective option if you only need a mascot for a short period or for a specific event. If you are looking for a more personalized approach, you can also consider creating a custom mascot. This involves designing a unique character that represents your business or organization. Working with a professional mascot design company, you can bring your vision to life and create a mascot that truly embodies your brand. When choosing a mascot service near you, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Contacting multiple providers and comparing their offerings can help you find the best fit for your requirements. Additionally, reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients can give you an idea of the quality of service provided by each company. In conclusion, mascot services near you offer a range of options for promoting your business or organization. Whether you choose to hire a professional mascot performer, rent a costume, or create a custom mascot, having a mascot can help create a memorable and engaging experience for your audience..
Reviews for "The Role of Mascot Services Near Me in Advertising Campaigns"
- John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with the mascot services near me. The quality of the costumes was very poor, and it was obvious that they were cheaply made. Additionally, the performers weren't very skilled and their interactions with the crowd were awkward and forced. Overall, I was disappointed with my experience and would not recommend them to others.
- Emily - 1 star - I had a terrible experience with the mascot services near me. The costume I rented was dirty and smelled bad. It was clear that it hadn't been properly cleaned or maintained. The performer inside the costume seemed disinterested and didn't put any effort into engaging with the children at our event. It was a complete waste of money and I would not use their services again.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I regret using the mascot services near me for my child's birthday party. The character that showed up was not the one I had requested and the costume looked cheap and poorly made. The performer did not stay in character and seemed unenthusiastic. It was a disappointing experience and I would advise others to look for better options.
- Michael - 1 star - The mascot services near me were a complete letdown. The costume was falling apart and looked like it hadn't been maintained in years. The performer inside the costume was unprofessional and did not follow the instructions I had given them. It was a huge disappointment and I would not recommend them to anyone.