Click
on the tradition names below, if they're underlined, for more details on each
tradition.
Bonfire
Bonfire has symbolized the burning desire of the
Aggies to beat the University of Texas in the annual football game.
Starting in 1909, Texas A&M students worked together each year to build a
massive bonfire. This tradition began when a group of cadets gathered
trash on Simpson Drill Field and burned it in preparation for the following
day's game with UT. This annual tradition continued (except in 1963, when
the Bonfire did not burn following the assassination of President Kennedy) and
eventually came under the leadership of the Aggie Bonfire Committee until
1999. The stack of logs collapsed on November 18, 1999, killing twelve
students and injuring at least 27 others. Bonfire was cancelled that
year.
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Gig
'em
Gig 'em At a yell practice before the 1930 TCU
game, A&M board of regent Pinky Downs '06 shouted, "What are we going
to do to those Horned Frogs?" His muse did not fail him as he improvised,
borrowing a term from frog hunting. "Gig 'em, Aggies!" he said as he
made a fist with his thumb extended straight up. And with that the first hand
sign in the Southwest Conference came into being. [ For a fuller history of the
Gig 'em thumb signal, read "Football Hand Signals" by Paul Burka,
Texas Monthly ]
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Reveille
Reveille,
the first lady of Aggieland, is the official mascot of Texas A&M University.
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Silver Taps
A
final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed
away the previous month.
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Memorial Student Center
Aggies
who have given their lives in wars are honored in this living memorial. To
honor these Aggies, we remove our hats in the MSC & do not walk on the grass
surrounding the building.
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Twelfth Man
The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born on the second of January 1922, when an
underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, the nation's top ranked team. As
the hard fought game wore on, and the Aggies dug deeply into their limited
reserves, Coach Dana X. Bible remembered a squad man who was not in uniform. He
had been up in the press box helping reporters identify players. His name was E.
King Gill. Gill was called from the stands, suited up, and stood ready
throughout the rest of the game. When the game ended, Gill was the only man left
standing on the sidelines for the Aggies. Gill later said, "I wish I could
say that I went in and ran for the winning touchdown, but I did not. I simply
stood by in case my team needed me." Although Gill did not play in the
game, he had accepted the call to help his team. He came to be thought of as the
Twelfth Man because he stood ready for duty in the event that the eleven men on
the gridiron needed assistance. That spirit of readiness for service, desire to
support, and enthusiasm helped kindle a flame of devotion among the entire
student body; a spirit that has grown vigorously throughout the years. The
entire student body at A&M is the Twelfth Man, and they stand during the
entire game to show their support. The 12th Man is always in the stands waiting
to be called upon if they are needed.
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Elephant Walk
The
annual walk around campus is done to symbolize the Seniors' dying usefulness to
the 12th Man.
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Aggie Muster
Every
April 21, Muster brings together more Aggies worldwide on one occasion than any
other event.
The Muster ceremony includes a Roll Call
for the Absent. The Roll Call honors Aggies that have fallen since the last
Muster roll was read. As the names are read, a friend or family member answers
'Here', and a candle is lit to symbolize that while those Aggies are not present
in body, they will forever remain with us in Aggie Spirit. Muster is how that Spirit is
remembered and will continue to unite Texas A&M and the Aggie family.
A&M may change, but the Spirit never will.
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Aggie Ring
One of the greatest moments in the life of any Aggie is the day that they
receive their Aggie Ring. The ring worn by all Aggie graduates is the same except for the class year. This
serves as a common link for former students. When an Aggie sees the ring on
another Aggie's hand, a spontaneous reunion occurs.
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Parents’ Weekend
Parents’ Weekend is a time honored tradition at Texas A&M. Since 1919,
Aggies have set aside one weekend during the year to show their appreciation for
their biggest supporters and fans - their parents. Parents, grandparents, siblings and other friends come to visit students in
College Station. In typical Aggie style, there are many activities planned to
make the weekend enjoyable for everyone.
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Maroon
Out
Maroon Out began in 1998 as a way to build unity
among the Aggie community. It has become a highly anticipated tradition
each year in which everyone shows his or her Aggie spirit by wearing maroon to
the chosen football game. Each year one football game is specially
designated for Maroon Out.
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Howdy
"Howdy"
is the official greeting of Texas A&M University. It is our way of
ensuring that no one feels like a stranger. The exact origin on this tradition
is not known. However, "Howdy" is what sets us apart as the
friendliest campus in the world.
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Midnight
Yell
At
midnight before each home football game, Aggies gather to pump up the Twelfth
Man for the next day's big game.
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Century
Oak
The
Century Oak, located in the heart of campus near the Academic Building, is a
place many Aggies choose to propose. Legend has it that, “if two lovers
walk underneath the tree’s massive branches together, it is a sign they will
eventually marry.” Also, “if two lovers propose under the Century Oak, it
is a sign that their marriage will last forever.” The tree, a live oak,
was one of the first trees planted on campus.
