The Tennessee Volunteers football team has a mascot named Smokey. Smokey is an adorable bluetick coonhound who has become a beloved symbol of the university's spirit and tradition. The tradition of having a live dog mascot started in 1953 when a local student named Rev. Bill Brooks brought his bluetick coonhound to a game. The dog's blue and white coat perfectly matched the university's colors, and the students instantly fell in love with him. Since then, every Smokey has been a direct descendant of the original dog.
All articles by Casey Harris (C.H. SCARLETT)
When the Romans engulfed the Celts in the first century, the conquerors added two festivals to Samhain honor to Pomona, Goddess of fruit and trees, and Feralia a day to honor the dead. Known as the remover of obstacles, the beloved elephant-headed God, son of Shiva and Parvati, is the supreme deity of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
Since then, every Smokey has been a direct descendant of the original dog. Smokey is not just a mascot but also a symbol of resilience and loyalty. He symbolizes the strength and determination of the team and represents the university with pride.
Ancient Calendar & Pagan Holidays
If you are a Historian, lover of History, obsessed with Myths & Lore, or simply desiring to know more about Pagan Holidays or Ancient Cultures, then this just may be the column for you.
Every daily article is filled with information concerning various places of ancient origin, such as Rome, Greece, Egypt, Babylon and more. Every day I try to include some special tidbit from various cultures like the long but never forgotten, Norse.
Not every culture celebrated something daily, but for those who did, I will list everything and anything I can find concerning them.
Please Note: My hope is to post “daily” but sometimes life gets in the way. I usually backtrack and fill in where I left off, though, when time permits. My goal is to have an entire year done so that these articles can be accessed again and again and again. Next year, when the Calendar is complete, who knows what else I’ll get into. *winks*
New Articles will be listed here:
All articles by Casey Harris (C.H. SCARLETT)
Other Articles written by myself and others can be found here:
I wanted to give you an update concerning The Ancient Calendar & Pagan Holiday Column. I have it up and going again. Sorry for my absence but when life calls in my world, it pulls a caveman– grabs me by the hair and drags me back to the cave threatening to feed me to the Raptors if I don’t give things my full attention. While I would love to dive back into writing full-time including my Blogs, unfortunately, it’s like wishing to win the lottery. I know some of you found a way to juggle weekly paying Careers, Writing, Kids, Spouses, etc, but I unfortunately have not. Something gets sacrificed and while I’d be okay with that if it was just me, it’s not. It’s usually my responsibilities as a Mom, as a Wife, as a Caretaker to my mini-farm and my job — that actually allows me to pay a few bills here or there, lol.
When my oldest graduated High School and moved away, one of my biggest regrets was, how many hours did I rob from him trying to hammer out a novel, which would never pay for college or even the wear and tear of my computer? I have two more and I am trying to correct my guilt ridden mistake. You know Moms are always trying to improve ourselves.
That being said, while I haven’t given up on Writing or anything else, it has fallen at the bottom of my slush pile, of things to do only AFTER everything else is done. Well, EVERYTHING ELSE or that big list was at an all-time high these past few months and while I won’t go into After School Actitivites or how much I wanna scream when I see Paint Cans and Brushes, I will say, I have found away to buy some time to muster up the Calendar Column at least and get that all going again.
*Inserts the sounds of cheering in my own weary head.*
My goal for the Calendar is to get an entire Year completed so that next year, I can focus on other articles. All a reader has to do at any given time is move their mouse over the Menu to the left of us. Find the Month and the Day and then whalla! You have an Ancient Holiday. Over time, if there are any rituals or what not’s added, that too will be added like so….
This is the goal….
All that being said, sometimes Life, the Caveman, will drag me away but rest assured, I’ll be back until we can get an entire year lined up. And sometimes, it takes me a bit to arrange it on the menu, like the pic above…but I will…eventually.
Thanks for understanding….
Falling on the full Moon of the 5th or 6th lunar month, Vesak Day lauds the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha. Followers worldwide assemble at dawn in temples for rituals, singing hymns in praise of the Triple Gem — the Buddha, his dharma (teaching) and his sangha (disciples). Devotees bring traditional gifts to teachers — incense, flowers, candles. Some countries mark the occasion for two days, during which time celebrants eat only vegetarian food. In Sri Lanka all slaughterhouses and liquor shops close. Birds and animals are ritually released from captivity by the thousands in an “act of liberation,” symbolic of giving freedom to people suffering in captivity. Often devout Buddhists wear white and spend the whole day in temples, renewing their resolve to abide by the Ten Precepts. Some sanctuaries provide an altar with a basin of water and flowers holding an icon of the baby Buddha. Celebrants pour water over the statue, evocative of devas and spirits making offerings at the birth fraught with heavenly significance. *Date changes with lunar month
Unlike many other mascots, Smokey is an actual live animal who attends games and events, creating a unique and memorable experience for fans. Throughout the years, Smokey has had his own dedicated handler who takes care of his training and well-being. The handler ensures that Smokey is ready for game day and able to handle the excitement and energy of the crowd. Smokey's handler also helps maintain his health and provides him with the necessary care and attention he needs. Smokey is known for his distinctive appearance and jovial personality. He has a unique howl that can be heard throughout the stadium, captivating fans and players alike. The presence of Smokey on the field uplifts the team and creates an atmosphere of excitement and support. In addition to attending games, Smokey also participates in various events and activities throughout the year. He is involved in community outreach initiatives and serves as an ambassador for the university. Smokey's presence helps to unite the university community and foster a sense of pride and togetherness. Overall, Smokey is a beloved mascot who embodies the spirit and tradition of the Tennessee Volunteers football team. He is a symbol of loyalty, resilience, and pride, capturing the hearts of fans young and old. Smokey's presence at games and events adds an element of excitement and joy, creating lasting memories for all who experience his charm..
Reviews for "Smokey's Sidekick: Exploring the Role of the Mascot in Tennessee Volunteers Football"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the Tennessee Volunteers football mascot, Smokey. First of all, the costume looked old and worn out, like it hadn't been updated in years. Secondly, the behavior of the mascot was questionable. It seemed more interested in goofing around and entertaining the crowd than actually supporting the team. Overall, Smokey didn't live up to my expectations as a spirited and enthusiastic mascot.
2. John - 1/5 stars - Smokey, the Tennessee Volunteers football mascot, was a complete letdown for me. The costume itself looked cheap and poorly made, with the fabric starting to fray and the colors fading. Furthermore, the mascot's performance was lackluster. It appeared disinterested and barely interacted with the crowd. It's clear that the university needs to invest in a new and more energetic mascot if they want to create a better game-day experience.
3. Laura - 3/5 stars - As a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, I had mixed feelings about Smokey, their football mascot. While I appreciated the historical significance of the mascot and its connection to the team, I found it to be quite underwhelming in terms of enthusiasm and engagement. The costume design could definitely use some modernizing, as it looked outdated compared to other mascots in college football. Overall, while I didn't hate Smokey, I do believe there is room for improvement to make it a more memorable and exciting presence on game days.