Mascotes

A mascot is a person, animal, or object adopted to symbolize and promote an organization, team, or event. Mascots serve to build identity, entertain audiences, and foster loyalty through appearances in costumes, logos, and media.

The term derives from the French mascotte meaning a lucky charm. In sports and entertainment, mascots emerged prominently in the 20th century with costumed characters replacing live animal mascots and expanding into stadium performances and digital media.

Mascots come in several forms: live or historically used animals, costumed human performers, and digitally animated characters. They play roles in cheer, brand storytelling, merchandise promotion, charity fundraising, and public relations at events and broadcasts.

Design and management involve branding strategy, safety, and inclusivity. Teams and companies design mascots to be approachable, culturally sensitive, and easily recognizable. Ethical concerns include animal welfare for live mascots, performer safety, and avoiding stereotypes.

In contemporary practice, mascots are integrated across platforms, from in-person appearances to social media campaigns and video games. They remain a tool for engagement, especially among younger audiences, while some organizations reassess mascots for relevance and inclusivity.