Why is a blue devil the mascot of Duke sports teams?
It is one of those things that few of us think about. Look around the country at other universities. You will notice a tiger, falcon, bear, cougar, hawk, eagle, owl, and bulldog. Also, students get their cheering inspiration (somehow) from “rambling wreck”, “mountaineer”, “thunder”, hog, spider or shadow. The list is long and strange, e.g. purple cow, kangaroo, leprechaun or cayenne (costumed chili pepper – wow, so hot!).
There is no need to repeat the historical evolution of the blue devil in Duke athletic history – from a kind of French, special military elite in World War 1 to the devilish character that adorns the top of the Perk. (Read about it from the Duke archives.)
While the idea, if not the very presence, of a devil among us might normally make many apprehensive – Is not the devil the “father of lies”, the “deceiver”, one who opposes the purposes of the living God? For most, if you notice the way the Duke mascot jumps about on the basketball court, it’s all part of the fun and energy that contributes to the University’s teams being the *best*. (If you are lucky, you can have your picture taken with him/her!)
Back to the question… well, never mind, it isn’t a big deal. More important is (together, shout on the count of three: 1, 2, 3!) “GO DEVILS”! Indeed, would that all real devils (if there are any) would go away, even go to hell!
Done.
Since the [human race is] flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (New Testament of the Bible, Hebrews 2:14-15)
Now that IS something to cheer!
Add comment February 22, 2010
