Monday, November 8, 2010

Chief Osceola and Renegade


 
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Last Friday was the annual homecoming parade at Florida State University. Since the parade route is just a 2 block walk from my office and the weather was absolutely gorgeous, I decided to walk over and get some pictures. One of my favorite parts of the parade is Chief Osceola riding his Appaloosa horse, Renegade. Chief Osceola, who is portrayed by an FSU student, and Renegade serve as the official symbol of Florida State University. The University sought and obtained the approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida for the portrayal of Osceola in 1978 and since that time Osceola, in authentic regalia designed by the ladies of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Renegade have opened every home football game with the traditional planting of the spear at midfield, appeared in many major bowl games, and performed on national television on numerous occasions. The use of the Seminole name by FSU is fully sanctioned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the University makes every effort to be respectful of their traditions. Members of the Seminole Tribe also participate in the parade and I will show you some pictures of them tomorrow.

19 comments:

biebkriebels said...

Thanks for sharing this story and the lovely pictures with the Appaloosa horses.

Cezar and Léia said...

Fantastic parade, I love the sweet horses and these people with their costumes ( the Chief Osceola is outstanding there), it's wonderful and thanks for sharing!
Léia

PAK said...

Great parade!

Rob Siemann said...

These appaloosas are so beautiful!

Kaori said...

Amazing photos, Lois! Looks like he's really into his part :-D

Small City Scenes said...

Super shots.
I always salute the Seminoles--there story is a great one. Sad too.
MB

B SQUARED said...

A wonderful tradition!

Halcyon said...

I think it's great the university works with the tribe. I think it's an honor to use the Seminole warrior as the mascot of the school. The costume is fantastic and I love the horse too!

Lowell said...

Fantastic parade! What I really appreciate is the cooperation between the university and the tribal leaders.

What irony, though. Osceola's fate is one of our inglorious histories. And now he rides proudly down the street in the state that did him in! Fascinating.

Birdman said...

hahaha! Stick it!

Leif Hagen said...

Looks like a very interesting parade! Are those called "Dalmatian horses?"

jennyfreckles said...

That's fascinating and quite moving to read. Even though the guy is only 'acting' the part he looks really regal and proud. Lovely horse too.

penny said...

Its wonderful that the university has honored the Seminole Indians in this way. They are such an important part of Florid'as history.
Great shots, Lois.

be well, be happy

Anonymous said...

Omg those horses are absolutely gorgeous!

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Beautiful horse and costume. Great shots.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Stefan Jansson said...

Great to see. And thanks for all the info.

VP said...

Interesting and picturesque: that costume is wonderful.

Unknown said...

Love the outfit but the horse really caught my attention. Look at that pattern!! It's awesome.

Lisa Wilson said...

Beautiful horses!