The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), located in New York City, is renowned for its exceptional programs and courses in the field of fashion and design. One unique aspect of FIT is its iconic mascot, the tiger. The tiger represents strength, power, and determination, which are all qualities associated with fashion and the competitive nature of the industry. The idea of the tiger as FIT's mascot has an interesting history. In the early 1990s, a group of students and faculty members came together to select a symbol that would effectively capture the essence of FIT. After considering various options, the tiger emerged as the clear choice.
A coven usually has one or two leaders, known as the High Priestess and/or High Priest, and each coven is usually autonomous and makes its own decisions (depending on the particular tradition it follows). Some covens are very democratic in their practices; some are very hierarchical, strongly regimented and autocratically run. When a coven grows too large to be manageable, it may split or "hive". In Wicca, a newly made High Priest or High Priestess (with 3rd Degree ordination) may also leave to start their own coven, and strike off in new directions.
In Wicca and other similar forms of modern Neopagan witchcraft, a coven is a gathering or community of witches, a group of believers who gather together for ceremonies of worship, such as Drawing Down the Moon or celebrating the Sabbats. Folklore tells of the Lincolnshire witch, said to have a bee as her familiar, and another witch from Scotland who was said to shapeshift into the form of a bee, poisoning a foes child.
After considering various options, the tiger emerged as the clear choice. Its bold and fierce characteristics align perfectly with the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion world. The tiger mascot has become an integral part of FIT's identity.
The Witch and the Bee
The witch and the bee, a more magickal union there could not be! Witches have enjoyed a long and enchanting relationship with the bee, sharing many rituals, as well as other magickal traits that they have in common. Bees as you know provide us with so many blessings, honey and wax are only the beginning of those blessings. Mead… which I am in love with and brew, is similar to wine, only it’s brewed from the bee’s honey instead of sugar. It is an ancient beverage, and part of many witches brews and libations. Bees are such amazing little creatures, using elaborate dances to communicate locations. Witches have used tantric and shamanistic dance for centuries, either to raise energy for spell work, or to achieve hedge flight into other realms.
Bees are sensitive to electromagnetic fields, which enables them to predict and react to weather changes, and to navigate. Witches as we know, have been known to have their own ways to predict and react to these changes as well. The white noise, (noise that cancels out other sounds) that beehives make, has been thought to have connections to Chaos magick, adding yet another connection to the witch. Bees have a strong connection with electricity in many unique ways. For instance they can sense the Earth’s magnetic field, using this ability to navigate, like the witch who grounds and centers to connect to the Earth. Bees were thought to have special knowledge, and the ability to foretell or see into the future. In Greek mythology the God Apollo was taught how to see into the future by the Thriae: the three pre-Hellenic Bee Goddesses, Melaina, Kleodora and Daphnis.
Bees in history have appeared in Mycenaean tomb decorations, with tombs that were shaped as beehives. Making one speculate that these people believed bees to possibly be psychopomps, or messengers of the dead. Transforming the human soul into bee after their passing.
Deities such as Aphrodite, Cybele, Freya, Odin, Pan, and Thor, have associations with the bee as well.
In folklore it is said that if one dreams of bees, they will therefore be blessed with good omens. Which makes sense when you think of all the positive things bees contribute to our planet. The Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle even retails a charm, promising health, happiness and good fortune, containing three little ceramic bumblebees in a bag. I myself was gifted from a dear friend, a very old magickal spell that came with 5 little golden bees in a bag, which I truly cherish. Then doing the same, gifting this bee spell to another dear witch friend of mine, therefore continuing this delightful tradition.
Folklore tells of the Lincolnshire witch, said to have a bee as her familiar, and another witch from Scotland who was said to shapeshift into the form of a bee, poisoning a foes child. Or the tale from Nova Scotia, whereas a male witch was accused of killing a cow by sending a white bee to land on it, therefore stinging the cow sadly to its death. Omens and folktales have been read into the flight of bees for centuries. It is said that when bees begin to swarm for no apparent reason, it is most likely a sign of a bad omen, and if bees are to swarm into a dead tree, it is the foretelling of a death of one of the family members who resides near the trees location.
Like butterflies, and dragonflies, bees are symbol of the soul, and its ability to fly between the worlds. In is said the voice of the soul is thought to be the buzzing sound of the bee. In Germanic folklore, it is believed that when one is sleeping, they can take leave from their body by transforming into the bee, therefore taking their leave by way of the mouth. Take heed though… for if this shapeshifter within bee form is trapped or killed, then so shall the soul be unable to make it’s return to its body.
Besides the witch, bees also have connections to the fae, due to their winged nature, and frequency to be located in, or around flowers. Bees… like the fae, are thought to be preservers of the natural world, due to of course their vital role in the pollination of so many plants. I myself see another connection to the bee and the fae. This would be the Mars energy, that in my opinion both the bee and the fae share. Bees can sting, bringing forth that fire of Mars, and that firey energy can be used for hexing, cursing, and protection. The fae, are wild, untamed, and often very dark unpredictable creatures, being known for their firey Mars energy as well.
And finally there is an old folktale that I adore, called the “Telling of the Bees.” A very old English folk custom, whereas honeybees are believed to be members of the family, and so are kept up to date with all the families news and doings. As is the tradition, the bees would be informed when someone in the family, especially the bee’s keeper had passed on, but traditionally all family life events such as births, marriages, separations, etc., even news about upcoming visitors to the home, where reported to the bees as a courtesy. It was believed failure in doing so, would swiftly result in the bees flying away and leaving their hive for good, dying, or stopping all their honey making activities.
In both Britain and America, honeybees were on the guest list to both Weddings and Funerals, and if for any reason the bees could not attend these festivities, then food and libations would be left for them at their hive. So witches have long shared their magick, and practices with the bee, even refering to their coven as “The Hive.” One never knows the next magickal path the bee may take, but you can rest assured the bee and the witch will fly it together…. )0(
Many covens also have some system of degrees or ranks based on the level of expertise or experience of the members (although these vary significantly between traditions). Typical degree divisions might be: Neophyte (a student preparing for basic initiation as a witch); First Degree (a witch who has been initiated, but has not yet undertaken any advanced study); Second Degree (a witch who has an intermediate knowledge of the craft, which in some traditions may also confer priesthood); Third Degree (a witch who has studied the craft in depth, and is capable of teaching others and/or serving as High Priest/High Priestess); Elder (in some traditions, a witch of advanced knowledge and who has been active for a number of years).
It can be seen proudly displayed in many aspects of campus life, ranging from athletic events to various marketing materials. The mascot serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for the students, faculty, and staff, reminding them of the tenacity and passion required to succeed in the fashion industry. Furthermore, the tiger embodies the spirit of unity and pride that is fostered within the FIT community. Students rally behind their mascot, using it as a symbol to represent their shared commitment to creativity and innovation. It fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, creating a supportive environment where students can collaborate and grow as future fashion industry leaders. The FIT tiger mascot also plays an important role in promoting school spirit. The presence of a recognizable mascot adds an element of excitement and enthusiasm to campus events. It helps to create a strong sense of community and encourages student participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and organizations. In conclusion, the Fashion Institute of Technology's choice of a tiger as its mascot is a fitting representation of the institution's values and ideals. The tiger symbolizes strength, determination, and unity, all of which are crucial for success in the fashion and design industry. It serves as a source of inspiration and pride for the FIT community, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a vibrant campus atmosphere..
Reviews for "The Fashion Institute of Technology Mascot: Inspiring Fashion Designers and Creatives"
- Emily - 2 stars - The Fashion Institute of Technology's mascot is a total disappointment. First of all, it's an owl. How is an owl supposed to represent a fashion institute? It doesn't make any sense. Secondly, the design of the mascot is completely underwhelming. It looks like a generic cartoon owl that you could find anywhere. Overall, the FIT mascot lacks creativity and fails to capture the essence of the fashion industry.
- David - 1 star - I couldn't be more disappointed with the Fashion Institute of Technology's choice of mascot. The mascot is a bland representation of an owl with no significant connection to fashion. It's clear that little thought was put into the design and relevance to the institution. A fashion institute should have a mascot that is bold, unique, and captures the spirit of the industry. Unfortunately, FIT's mascot falls short on all these aspects.
- Jessica - 3 stars - While the Fashion Institute of Technology's mascot is not the worst I've seen, it doesn't inspire much excitement either. An owl as a mascot for a fashion institute is quite puzzling and feels out of place. Additionally, the design of the mascot lacks creativity and fails to make a lasting impression. It would be great to see FIT come up with a new mascot that truly represents the fashion industry and ignites a sense of pride among its students and alumni.