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:
Thanks for sharing this story and the lovely pictures with the Appaloosa horses.
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
Great parade!
These appaloosas are so beautiful!
Amazing photos, Lois! Looks like he's really into his part :-D
Super shots.
I always salute the Seminoles--there story is a great one. Sad too.
MB
A wonderful tradition!
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!
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.
hahaha! Stick it!
Looks like a very interesting parade! Are those called "Dalmatian horses?"
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.
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
Omg those horses are absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful horse and costume. Great shots.
Darryl and Ruth : )
Great to see. And thanks for all the info.
Interesting and picturesque: that costume is wonderful.
Love the outfit but the horse really caught my attention. Look at that pattern!! It's awesome.
Beautiful horses!
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