The Gardner-Webb University mascot is the Runnin' Bulldog. The bulldog represents the school's spirit, tenacity, and determination. Bulldogs are strong and resilient animals, often used as symbols of courage and bravery. The Runnin' Bulldog mascot is involved in various university events and activities, serving as a source of pride and excitement for the Gardner-Webb community. The Runnin' Bulldog can be seen at athletic events, leading cheers and pumping up the crowd. The mascot also makes appearances at campus events, such as orientations, pep rallies, and alumni gatherings.
For some, October 31 is celebrated as the Witches’ New Year, still acknowledged as a powerful spiritual milestone. It is said to be when the veils between the earth plane and the spirit realm are sheet thin. In Irish and Celtic Paganism, Halloween finds its roots in Samhain . Samhain translates to “Summer’s End”, as the Ancient Celts divided the year into two major portions, although there were many holidays in their wheel of the year. As the Sun dimmed and the days shortened, so did a period of “light” and doing. Samhain, pronounced “Sow-inn”, was a time to reap the benefits of the end of Harvest Season. As we approached the more lunar, feminine season of hibernation, bonfires would be lit to mimic the power of the weakened Sun. It was a Sabbat of contrast between the light and dark, the masculine and the feminine cycles. The three days, beginning Hallows eve, were recognised as a major threshold, a liminal space of supernatural intensity.
Across these three nights and days, death was embraced as a natural part of life, and people let the spirits wash over them with respect, receptivity and celebration. The Otherworld was a tricky place, populated not only by the newly departed, but also with powerful gods, whose intentions were as varying as that of the human realm.
The mascot also makes appearances at campus events, such as orientations, pep rallies, and alumni gatherings. Its energetic and playful nature helps create a sense of unity and camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. The Gardner-Webb Bulldog has undergone a few changes in appearance over the years.
All Hallows Eve: History, Traditions, and Observations
Every October 31st, the celebration of All Hallows Eve, now more commonly known as Halloween, takes over the streets. Households hand out candy to children who say “trick or treat” and hope they don’t get raisins or apples in their bags of goodies. Groups of friends find trails, houses, and theme parks that advertise “spooky” or “haunted.” Jack-o-lanterns sit on porches as little works of art. Families use cobwebs as decorations instead of using brooms to clear them. Blood, skeletons, and screams are in abundance.
But before the All Hallows Eve we know today came to be, the night of October 31st was the Celtic celebration of Samhain. From its ancient origins to its religious takeover, the holiday has taken on a life of its own.
The current rendition of the mascot showcases a muscular and athletic bulldog, complete with a red and black jersey featuring the school's logo. The mascot's appearance reflects the competitive spirit of Gardner-Webb athletes and their dedication to excellence. In addition to its role in promoting school spirit, the Runnin' Bulldog mascot embodies the values and traditions of Gardner-Webb University. The mascot represents the university's commitment to academic excellence, character development, and personal growth. It serves as a reminder to students to embrace challenges, be resilient, and strive for success both in and out of the classroom. Overall, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldog mascot is an integral part of the university's culture and identity. It symbolizes the determination and commitment of the Gardner-Webb community and serves as a source of inspiration for students, faculty, and staff alike..
Reviews for "The Garfner Webb Mascot: Spreading School Spirit on Social Media and Beyond"
1. John - 1 star -
The Garfner Webb mascot is absolutely terrible. They obviously put no effort into designing it. It looks like a cheap knockoff of a character from a children's show. It's not even remotely cute or appealing. I couldn't stop laughing when I first saw it, and not in a good way. It's just embarrassing for the school to have such a lackluster mascot.
2. Sarah - 2 stars -
I have to say, I was quite disappointed with the Garfner Webb mascot. It lacks any originality or creativity. It's just a generic animal costume that you could find at any party supply store. I expected more from a university mascot. It doesn't represent the school or its values in any meaningful way. Overall, it's just a forgettable and uninspiring mascot.
3. Mike - 2 stars -
The Garfner Webb mascot is just plain awkward. The design is clumsy and the proportions of the costume are all wrong. The head looks too big for the body, and it's just hard to take it seriously. It's not a mascot that you would feel proud to have representing your school. It's just a missed opportunity to create something unique and memorable.
4. Emily - 1 star -
I can't understand why Garfner Webb chose such a bizarre mascot. It's not endearing or relatable in any way. The large head and exaggerated features just make it look creepy. It's definitely not something you would want to see at a school sporting event. I really hope they reconsider and come up with something better in the future.