What is a Billiken? Explaining the origin of Saint Louis' nickname, mascot history

Saint Louis' mascot is a light grey Billiken that often wears a blue SLU shirt, representing "things as they ought to be."

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:40am

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The Saint Louis Billikens earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019 in 2026, but many fans are unsure what exactly a Billiken is. The Billiken is the school's mascot, a folklore creature that symbolizes "things as they ought to be." The origin of the Billiken and its connection to Saint Louis dates back to the early 1900s.

Why it matters

The Billiken is a unique and quirky mascot that helps define the identity and history of the Saint Louis basketball program. Understanding the origins and meaning behind the Billiken provides important context for the school's athletic traditions and culture.

The details

The Billiken was an early 1900s figurine that symbolized good luck, created by Missouri art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz in 1908. Similar Billiken-like figures also appeared in Alaska, Japan, and China, inspired by gods of fortune and good luck. The connection between the Billiken and Saint Louis began in the 1910 and 1911 football seasons, when the school's football coach John Bender was said to resemble the Billiken figure, leading to the team being nicknamed "Bender's Billikens."

  • The Billiken was patented by Florence Pretz in 1908.
  • Saint Louis' football team was nicknamed "Bender's Billikens" in the 1910 and 1911 seasons.

The players

Florence Pretz

A Missouri art teacher and illustrator who patented the Billiken design in 1908.

John Bender

Saint Louis' football coach in the early 1910s, who was said to resemble the Billiken figure.

Charles McNamara

A Saint Louis law student who drew a cartoon portraying Coach Bender as a Billiken in the early 1910s.

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The takeaway

The Billiken is a unique and quirky mascot that has become an integral part of Saint Louis' athletic identity and history. Understanding the origins and symbolism behind the Billiken provides important context for the school's traditions and culture, which have endured for over a century.