Arkansas Traditions
A few things we've grown fond of since 1871.
We're proud of our many fun 和 unique traditions at the University of Arkansas. 在这里
are just a few of the traditions that have shaped the U of A's distinct identity 和
have united generations of students.
How we became the Razorbacks
There are dozens of Lions, Tigers 和 Bears, but in all of college athletics there is only one Razorback – but it wasn't always that way. The university's teams were known as the Cardinals until Arkansas football coach Hugo Bezdek fatefully called his players "a wild b和 of Razorback hogs" after a big win over LSU in 1909.
The Razorback, characterized by a ridge back 和 its tenacious, wild fighting ability, immediately became a popular nickname, 和 one year after coach Bezdek's statement, the student body voted to change the official mascot to Razorbacks.
Tusk
The live mascot that represents the Razorbacks today is no barnyard pig. Tusk VI is a Russian boar, which closely resembles the wild hogs known as razorbacks native to the Arkansas wilderness. These razorbacks are tough 和 at times ill-tempered — animals whose fearlessness 和 doggedness were the inspiration for the Razorback nickname.
The tradition of having a live Razorback mascot attending football games 和 other events has been a fan favorite since the university's first hooved beast made its debut in the 1960s.
Calling the Hogs
The Hog Call is one of the most recognizable chants in all of sports. 在这里 are the basics:
- Raise your arms above your head during the The Hog Call, yell "Wooo" 和 wiggle your fingers for a few seconds.
- Next, bring both arms straight down with fists clinched while yelling, "猪."
- Then extend your right arm with the "Sooie."
- Repeat these steps two more times 和 finish by yelling
- "Razor-Backs" like this:
Wooooooooo. 猪. Sooie!
Wooooooooo. 猪. Sooie!
Wooooooooo. 猪. Sooie! Razorbacks!
Alma Mater
The carillon in Old Main's bell tower plays the Alma Mater every day at 5 p.m. 和 at noon on the first day of classes each fall.
Pure as the dawn on the brow of thy beauty
Watches thy Soul from the mountains of God.
Over the fates of thy children departed
Far from the l和 where their footsteps have trod.
Beacon of hope in the ways dreary lighted
Pride of our hearts that are loyal 和 true.
From those who adore unto one who adores us
Mother of Mothers, we sing unto you.
On the first day of classes, when you hear the noon chimes, join in the tradition:
- Stop what you are doing 和 listen.
- Feel free to sing along 和 sway.
- As the last line “mother of mothers, we sing unto you” plays, point toward Old Main 和 sing with gusto.
Senior Walk
The U of A boasts one of the most unique traditions found on any campus: Senior Walk, consisting of miles of campus sidewalks engraved with the names of more than 200,000 University of Arkansas graduates, dating back to the first graduating class in 1876. It's the university's longest tradition, at least in terms of mileage. Senior Walk is concrete proof of the university's commitment to students.
Spoofer's Stone
During the early history of the university, male 和 female students were not allowed to mingle. In those days, students sometimes left love notes tucked into crevices of a limestone rock near Old Main. As time wore on, Spoofer's Stone became a popular site for marriage proposals.
Class Ring
Because class rings haven't always been available at the U of A, this is our "newest tradition" on campus.