Tigerburn

Within the first week of arriving in Columbia I was taught that I must hate Clemson, USC’s rival University. Although hate is a strong word, when they rep the nasty combination of orange and purple as their school colours it’s easy to see why they’re disliked!

Every year the USC Football team go up against Clemson in what’s arguably the biggest game of the season. Prior to the game it is tradition for the students at South Carolina to burn a tiger, which represents the Clemson team. This ritual is called the ‘Tigerburn’ and dates back to 1902 when the Gamecock mascot first made its appearance. Tonight with the temperature dropping below a brisk ten degrees, it was a chance to wrap up and watch the display. Similar to the Brits Bonfire night where we remember Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, there were fireworks and of course a massive bonfire – but this time it was in the shape of a tiger!

At the 1902 game Carolina defeated Clemson and a full-blown riot broke out. Apparently, (according to the website at least) during that first Gamecock game, Carolina fans were flaunting a poster which had an image of the Gamecock mascot standing on top of a tiger, holding its tail as if he was ‘steering’ or directing it. Obviously, the Clemson fans weren’t very happy with this poster and told the Carolina students that ‘if you bring this poster, which is insulting to us, to the big parade on Friday, you’re going to be in trouble.’ Naturally, the USC students brought the poster to the parade.

Rumour has it that a fight broke out between the two teams so in order to calm the situation both sides agreed to burn the poster. Every year Carolina plays Clemson, and each time the two Universities burn an object that represents the other. The annual Carolina-Clemson football game alternates between both teams' home stadiums, and this year we’re playing on home turf, so I’ll get to witness the rivalry in its full glory! Go Cocks!