The Oklahoma Sooners mascot is an integral part of the university's athletic programs and represents the spirit and pride of the institution. The mascot, known as Boomer and Sooner, consists of two live white ponies that pull a Sooner Schooner wagon. Boomer and Sooner have become iconic symbols for University of Oklahoma athletics, especially football. They can often be seen leading the Sooners football team onto the field before each home game, creating an electrifying atmosphere for both players and fans alike. The history of the Sooner Schooner and its ponies dates back to the early 1960s when a group of alumni built the wagon as a way to promote school spirit. It quickly gained popularity and became an official part of the university's traditions.
Blessing Magical Items
Full Moon maturity, fulfillment, mastery Waxing Moon growth, integration, progress Waning Moon banishing, decreasing, halting Dark Moon rest, peace Moon in Aries enthusiasm, loyalty, sincerity Moon in Taurus faithfulness, affection Moon in Gemini versatility, improved perspective Moon in Cancer devotion, thrift Moon in Leo magnetism, romance, honesty Moon in Virgo generosity, recognition Moon in Libra grace, sociability, affection Moon in Scorpio pride, zeal Moon in Sagittarius idealism, liberation Moon in Capricorn dignity, passion Moon in Aquarius detachment, optimism Moon in Pisces instinct, sentiment. In the 16th century Ottoman flags bore the image of a magical double-edged sword called Zulfiqar along with an invocation to be recited for prowess particularly among calvary men.
It quickly gained popularity and became an official part of the university's traditions. The ponies themselves are carefully selected and trained to handle the excitement and crowds that come with their role as mascots. They undergo extensive training to ensure their safety and well-being during games and events.
Secret Stories of the Trees: Holly
Holly is an iconic evergreen that’s been used for centuries and across the globe for winter festivals, and that’s probably because, in the dead of winter, it’s one of the few things that actually looks alive.
And it not only looks alive—it looks strong and vital and hearty, which is probably why it’s long been associated with protection and strength and magic, of course!
A Magical Tree
Holly’s reputation as a magical tree goes back to the Druids, who considered holly a sacred tree and used holly wood for magic wands. Wands made of holly wood possessed the ability to banish unwelcome spirits and command one’s bidding.
Legend also tells us that in winter, holly shelters the sprites and fairies of the forest. So, if you clip some of the branches and bring them inside, the fairies will follow. And, in exchange for the warmth of your hearth they will bring you good luck!
And in Scotland, during, Hogmanay (Scottish New Year) , tradition holds that one should place a silver coin at the bast of a holly tree to keep the fairies sheltered there happy.
A Living Lightning Rod
Another legend says that if you plant holly tree next to your house, it will protect you from witchcraft and lightning strikes.
Science now confirms that the little pickles on the end of the leaves do conduct electricity—so this is, in fact, a living lightning rod!
I love it when science lines up with the wisdom of the ages! Maybe that’s why, in Norse and Celtic mythology, the holly tree is linked to Thor and Taranis, god of Thunder.
The Holly King and the Oak King
One of the most famous and enduring folktales in Celetic Mythology is that of the Holly King and the Oak King. Each year, these two kings engaged in an epic battle. The Holly King ruled over the half of the year from the summer to the winter solstice. At this time the Oak King defeated the Holly King to rule for the time until the summer solstice again.
The Holly King is often depcted as a giant wielding a large club made from holly wood. He also dresses in red, wears a sprig of holly in his tangled hair, and is sometimes depicted driving a team of eight stags. (Sound familiar?)
The Holly King/Oak King drama was acted out each year in villages throughout England and eventually, holly became so closely associated with the holiday that people simply referred to is as “christmas”, and the trees themselves as, “christmas trees”.
Holly King or Santa? (Getty Image)
For the modern practitioner, this approach rarely manifests because of shifting perspectives in the world of sorcery. What we do see if offering a nature spirit a place to dwell, such as a gifting a fairy with a plant grown just for that Being. Inside the home, that plant/fairy could become a Fetish (if the Fairy is feeling particularly beneficent).
In addition to football games, Boomer and Sooner also make appearances at other athletic events, parades, and community functions. They serve as ambassadors for the university and bring joy and excitement wherever they go. The presence of Boomer and Sooner at University of Oklahoma games is a beloved tradition that has become synonymous with the school's athletic identity. Their spirited entrance onto the field is a highlight for fans and adds to the overall game-day experience. Overall, the Oklahoma Sooners mascot, Boomer and Sooner, plays a significant role in promoting school spirit and creating a memorable atmosphere at athletic events. Their presence brings excitement and pride to the university and its fans, solidifying their place in the Oklahoma sports tradition..
Reviews for "An Inside Look at the Creation and Development of the Oklahoma Sooners Mascot"
1. Alex - 1 star
I found the Oklahoma Sooners mascot to be extremely unimpressive. Firstly, the design of the mascot lacked creativity and originality. It looked like a generic cartoon character with no unique characteristics that would make it memorable. Additionally, the costume itself seemed to be poorly made. The materials used appeared cheap and it lacked attention to detail. Overall, I was highly disappointed with the Oklahoma Sooners mascot and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
2. Rebecca - 2 stars
While the Oklahoma Sooners mascot was decently designed, I found it to be quite outdated. The costume looked like it belonged in the 80s with its oversized head and exaggerated features. It definitely didn't match the modern and dynamic image that a sports team should portray. Furthermore, the performer inside the costume didn't seem to have much energy or enthusiasm, which resulted in a lackluster experience. I believe the Oklahoma Sooners should invest in a new and more contemporary mascot to better represent their team.
3. Matthew - 2 stars
The Oklahoma Sooners mascot was a disappointment for me. It lacked any sort of charm or charisma that you would expect from a mascot. The attempts at interacting with the crowd felt forced and awkward. The costume design was just mediocre, with no standout features that make mascots memorable. Overall, I was left unimpressed and felt that the Oklahoma Sooners could benefit from a mascot that is more engaging and entertaining.
4. Sarah - 1 star
I was not a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners mascot at all. It seemed like a last-minute design with no thought put into it. The costume was clumsy and ill-fitting, making the mascot look more like a joke than a representation of the team. The lack of professionalism and effort put into the mascot was evident and left me rather disappointed. I hope the Oklahoma Sooners will reconsider their choice of mascot and go for something more memorable and well-executed.