National Mascot Day – June 17, 2024

History of National Mascot Day

Mascots have been around for over 130 years. The term was popularized in the 18th century when French composer Edmond Audran wrote the opera “La Mascotte.” The work became so popular that it was translated into English as “The Mascot,” meaning any animal, person, or object which brings good luck. On November 11, 1882, according to a sports article in the London newspaper “The Era,” a football match between Middlesbrough Association and a newly formed team named La Mascotte took place in which one player dressed up in a costume. This was most likely the first mascot in the sports world.

In the United States, the first mention of a sports mascot for baseball was in 1883, when a boy working for the team named Chic earned the reputation of bringing good luck to the players. Mascots can take the form of a person, animal, or anything which represents good luck. Costumed mascots appeared in the mid-20th century, which allowed teams to choose any creature to become their ambassador. Nowadays, mascots stir up the fan base, entertain and also educate. They have filled all American landscapes. Mascots are also commonly used to represent consumer products, one example being Ronald McDonald for the fast-food chain McDonald’s.

Music bands also use band mascots to promote their music who show up at live shows or on the album covers. Think Eddie, the Head of the famous English heavy metal band Iron Maiden.