What is a Billiken? To explain the origins of St. Louis’ nickname, A History of the Mascot originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
In 2026, the St. Louis Billikens will make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.
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While some college basketball fans have heard of St. Louis player Robbie Avila, who is best known for wearing his classic sports goggles, many aren’t sure what to make of the school’s mascot. St. Louis is represented by the light gray and blue Billikens.
Is it a troll? Is it an elf? What exactly is that thing that represents SLU products?
Let’s take a closer look at what a Billiken is and the history behind St. Louis’ mascot.
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Why is St. Louis nicknamed “Billikens”?
While the exact reason that links St. Louis to the Billikens is unknown, most believe it has something to do with the school’s 1910 and 1911 football seasons.
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SLU football coach John Bender allegedly bore Billiken’s likeness. SLU law student Charles McNamara drew a cartoon depicting Coach Bender as a Billiken.
After placing the comic in a drug store window, people saw McNamara’s picture and began calling the football team “Bender’s Billikens.”
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What is a Billiken?
The Billiken is a statue from the early 1900s that symbolizes good luck. The design was reproduced as dolls, marshmallow candies, metal banks, hat pins, pickle forks, belt buckles, car hood ornaments, salt and pepper shakers, and more. Missouri art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz saw a mysterious figure in a dream and patented her creation in 1908.
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Although Pretz patented the Billiken, similar numbers have appeared in Alaska, Japan and China. Alaskan ivory carver Happy Jack created the billikon inspired by the Inuit god of good luck. In Osaka, Japan, there is a billikon symbolizing good luck at the shrine. The statue is also inspired by the Chinese God of Wealth.
According to legend, buying a Billiken will bring good luck, but if someone gives it to you, it will bring even better luck.
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What is St. Louis’ mascot?
St. Louis’ mascot is a light gray billikon, who often wears a blue SLU shirt. The Billiken is a folklore creature that symbolizes “the way things should be.”
The symbol was created in 1908 by art teacher Florence Pretz.
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