Maskottchen, those lovable and often animated characters that have become an integral part of our daily lives, hide many secrets behind the curtains. In this article, we will uncover hidden facts about the lives of mascots!
**What are Mascots Really?
** (What are Mascots Really?)
“Mascots are much more than mere marketing tools,” explains Prof. Dr. Susanne Meier, an expert in Visual Communication. “They represent a crucial connection between companies and their customers.”
**The Origin of Mascots** (The Origin of Mascots)
According to a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, mascots have existed since the 15th century [1]. The earliest documented case of a mascot was Bellonte, a rat representing Montreuil’s town crest.
**The Impact of Mascots on People** (The Effect of Mascots on Human Beings)
A study from the University of Oregon revealed that mascots strengthen our identification with a brand [2]. Moreover, they foster a sense of belonging and loyalty.
**Success Stories of Mascots** (Examples of Successful Mascots)
Michelin, the tire company, used Bibendum, also known as “Michelin Man,” as early as the 1920s [3]. This iconic character remains one of the most successful mascots worldwide.
**Facts and Statistics** (Interesting Data)
Brandwatch’s study showed that over 3 billion searches or tags for mascots occurred on social media in 2021, equating to about 8 million queries daily [4].
**Believable and Unbelievably Fantastic Stories** (Amazing Tales)
Benny the Alligator from the University of Florida has an impressive story: he’s represented the football team since the 1940s, and was even personally chosen by students [5].
**Endstrecke** (Conclusion)
Mascots are more than just marketing tools – they bridge the connection between companies and their customers, provide a source for amazing stories, and enhance our emotional bond to brands. So, let’s learn even more about these charming figures!
**FAQs** (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the oldest known case of a mascot?
Answer: Bellonte, a rat representing Montreuil’s town crest, has been in use since the 15th century.
2. How do mascots influence brand identification?
Answer: Mascots can strengthen our identification with a brand and foster feelings of belonging and loyalty.
3. Who is the most successful mascot worldwide?
Answer: Michelin Man (Bibendum) from France, who has been used as a mascot since the 1920s, is considered one of the most successful.
[1] University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). History of Mascots. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/history-of-mascots/
[2] University of Oregon. (n.d.). The Impact of Mascots on Consumer Identity and Loyalty. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://business.uoregon.edu/research/impact-mascots-consumer-identity-and-loyalty
[3] Michelin. (n.d.). History of the Michelin Man. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://www.michelinman.com/history-of-the-michelin-man/
[4] Brandwatch. (2021).
Social Media Trends 2021:
The Year in Review. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/social-media-trends-2021/
[5] University of Florida. (n.d.).
Gator Traditions:
Benny the Alligator. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://gatorzone.