The Dawg Legend
Every Dawg should know the legend. The University of Georgia, like others, has its own share of legends, myths, and traditions that are very important to each student’s journey as a Dawg. One of the most widely known ones is the prohibiting of undergraduate students from walking under the Arch until the student has a diploma in their hands. This tradition was started by a student, in 1905, who made the decision to not pass through the Arch until he was a graduate of the University. Daniel Redfearn chose to openly speak with a professor of his, Robert E. Park about this, who was so moved by Redfearn’s decision, that he chose to make it a widely known idea among his other students.
While no one stands at the Arch and checks this, it is a model of respect, dedication, and love for the university that most students uphold during their time in Athens. There are silly reasons behind why you should not walk under the Arch that range from getting behind in classes, never graduating, being infertile, or never getting married. While none of these have been confirmed to actually happen to students, would you really want to risk it?? Most students young and old reminisce on how special it was for them to walk to the Arch after graduation, line up with all of their classmates and friends, and one by one walk through it for the first time. Doing so is a symbol of accomplishment, hard work, and the finality of an amazing time as a student at UGA.
The Legend Continues
Another long-standing legend of the university is the ringing of the Chapel Bell after a Dawg victory. While this began in the 1890s, the duty of bell ringing was left up to the freshman, and it was an expectation that they kept it going all night long; a duty that would sometimes end with the rope to the bell going missing so that they did not have to keep it ringing for hours upon hours after a football win.
Recently, the bell was rung so many times after a 2007 victory over Florida, it fell out of its frame and came crashing down onto the ground. It was taken to be reconstructed in Massachusetts and has been rung all night long many times since then. This celebration is a signifying moment in most student’s careers, and it has morphed into an all- sorts-of-victory bell. Students ring it to signify good grades, graduation, getting a job, etc. and use it as a symbol for a celebration and hard work.
The bell is also a symbol of UGA and has been a source of hatred for many teams, many times after a loss. Such as in the 1950s when members of the Georgia Tech band were caught attempting to chop down the bell with axes after a UGA victory against the Ramblin’ Wreck. They were staying on campus after the game and heard the bell ringing all night long and got tired of it.
The University is also known to have many haunted buildings, classrooms, and homes that students now go to, live in, or visit quite often. Some of the most popular and widely known ghost-filled places are Alpha Gamma Delta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Mu, Joe Brown Hall, The Lustrat House, Demosthenian Hall, Waddel Hall, Fine Arts Building, and more! All of these places have their own stories behind why each is haunted, and you can hear different variations and ideas from tons of different students and professors all over campus.
Whether you believe these myths or just enjoy reading about the rich and quite possibly paranormal history surrounding UGA, it is so cool to be involved in a campus life rooted in tradition and one that takes time to deeply reflect on the past. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.
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