Saint Louis University’s official mascot-the grinning, pointy-eared Billiken-marks its 100th birthday this year. In honor of the occasion, this weekend’s Homecoming events are celebrating the enigmatic mascot and its history.?
“The Billiken is awesome because it is unique. Colleges usually have commonplace mascots, and ours is completely original,” freshman Hannah Beaty said.?
On Saturday, Sept. 27, birthday festivities for the Billiken will run from 1 to 5 p.m. on the Quad. Birthday cake will be served at 3 p.m., and the Billiken itself will make a special appearance.
Birth of the Billiken
Various stories surround the origin of the Billiken.? Some stories suggest the Billiken is an Eskimo god of good luck, while other stories tell of it being a god from China or even Argentina.? According to historian Dorothy Jean Ray, however, the Billiken was really born in 1908 in Kansas City, Mo.
Art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz created the image of the Billiken. In its first incarnation, it was an elf-like creature with pointed ears, a rotund belly and a mischievous smile. According to the University’s archives, Pretz drew the image after reading the poems “The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam” and “Mr. Moon; A Song of the Little People.”? She was so taken by the notions in these poems that she decided to imagine a character that would embody hope and happiness.
‘Billikenmania’
Shortly after the Billiken’s creation, rights to the image passed to the Billiken Company of Chicago. In 1909, its likeness was manufactured into banks and statues. The following year the Billiken was made into dolls, marshmallow candies, salt and pepper shakers and many other products.
The doll became a fad toy, enjoying nationwide popularity in a phenomenon called “Billikenmania” until 1911.? Millions of dolls were sold and were considered a good luck charm that represented three different types of luck-good, better and best.?It is said to buy a Billiken gave luck; to have one given to you was luckier and the best luck was to have your Billiken stolen.
Becoming SLU’s mascot
The Billiken became associated with SLU during the 1911-1912 football season, according to the University achieves. During practice, St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer William O’Connor observed that as far as SLU football was concerned, things were as they should be.? That phrase is similar to the Billiken’s reputed identity as the “god of things as they ought to be.” That, along with SLU football coach John Bender’s squinty eyes and broad grin, persuaded O’Connor to exclaim, “Why, that guy’s a familiar Billiken!”? O’Connor’s observation later appeared in an article he penned for the Post-Dispatch.
Local drugstore owner Billy Gunn asked SLU football fan and cartoonist, Charles Z. McNamara, to decorate his window for Homecoming.? McNamara painted a picture of the coach in the form of a Billiken and posted it on the drugstore window.? The painting and O’Connor’s comments in the Post-Dispatch caused the SLU football team to be known as “Bender’s Billikens.” The name was taken up quickly by the sporting public, and all?SLU sports teams from then on have been named the Billikens.
Homecoming Events
SLU celebrates another Homecoming with the Billiken mascot this weekend. Activities will include the women’s soccer game at the Robert R. Hermann Stadium and a Jack’s Mannequin concert at the Chaifetz Arena, both beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Homecoming parade will commence at 6 p.m. in the Quad. At 7:30 p.m. the men’s soccer team will play Missouri State University.
