To some, homecoming means nothing more than an easy opponent for the football team, but to others homecoming is a treasured tradition. Traditions play a big role in the life and reputation of a university.
LSU’s history is littered with traditions. Some still continue to prosper while others have fallen to way side. Recently, there has been an effort by organizations such as Touch LSU and student government to bring back lost traditions like such as the pajama game and the Tiger Rag.
Arguably the most popular and well known LSU tradition is the pregame tradition of the LSU Tiger Marching Band. For nearly 40 years, Tiger fans have clamored to see the band play those three famous notes.
Some traditions have changed with the times while maintaining their value. In the early history of the university, the LSU homecoming court featured many queens that were selected from individual colleges and there were no males on the court. Now we have a court with males and females with the royalty being selected by popular vote.
Other traditions rightfully have been done away with completely. Freshmen were required to wear beanies and even shave their heads if LSU lost to Tulane. The university community has wizened up through the years to the degrading effects of hazing.
In recent times, new traditions have begun. Fall Fest, Harambee, LSU Salutes and the Christmas Tree Lighting are among the many new events that enrich our university life.
Fall Fest began in 1994 and is probably now the most fun class day of the year. It serves as a wonderful welcome to freshmen and returning students to the campus.
I will always remember hearing the sound of drums in math class my freshman year. Soon after our teacher released us to enjoy the free food, music and fellowship of our new friends.
Another one of my favorite LSU memories took place at another LSU tradition. Even before I joined a Greek organization, I took part in the most visible part of homecoming week, pomping.
The night before homecoming day, a valiant few of my friends and I decided to have pomp a Tiger in front of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. We toiled nearly all night and were very proud of the creation until we saw the mammoth displays constructed on sorority row. Despite all of our effort and sweat, we simply could not compete with the massive number of people in Greek organizations.
Despite not receiving an award, it was well worth our time as we developed friendships and created memories along with a pomped Tiger. Now I am Greek and participate in one of the grand displays. It certainly takes much longer than one night. But every year, I look forward to seeing what creative displays of spirit my fellow students are able to construct.
Traditions provide color to the university and give us opportunities to experience history through what those before us established. A great part of LSU’s greatness is due to the rich traditions that we regularly contribute to and the ones we continue to establish.
I encourage you to think of homecoming not merely as a time when alumni return, organizations pomp or as a boring football game to endure, but as one where you can take part in history that will make LSU a more special place.