If you’re a college student, or even a fan of college sports, you know just how much school traditions mean. Whether it’s rubbing Howard’s Rock for good luck before Clemson football games, or ringing those loud (very loud) cowbells down at Mississippi State to distract the visiting team, rituals carry on from generation to generation – bonding new fans with old fans, and making everyone family.
Like other colleges, Auburn University has its share of rituals. Before football games, Nova or Spirit (the school’s eagles) fly around the stadium to rally supporters. And then there’s Aubie, the fun-loving, super enthusiastic tiger mascot who serves as the school’s spirit leader and ambassador. There’s a reason he’s won nine mascot national championships, you know.
But perhaps the biggest tradition at Auburn University is the rolling of the oak trees at Toomer’s Corner. Situated on the front corner of the university campus, this is where students and fans come to celebrate important victories – Heisman trophies, conference or national championships, homecoming victories. Any victory.
Here, you’ll see everyone from fraternity brothers to grandmothers jubilantly tossing rolls of tissue into the branches. Sometimes, Aubie makes an appearance – which really gets the crowd hyped. When the celebration is over, it looks as if the skies have snowed white ribbons. And it’s a beautiful sight. (And a great photo op!)
But it’s not just the act of rolling the trees that is important to the people of Auburn though. It’s the fellowship that takes place under their branches. I’ve seen little boys and girls on their dad’s shoulders giggling and throwing tissue into branches, excited to be part of something bigger than themselves. A few years ago, the night Auburn won the SEC Championship in 2010, I watched a very formal wedding take place at this corner – white gown, tuxedos, bridesmaids and all! This place means something to Auburn people.
Last week, for the second time in two years, the Toomer’s oaks were uprooted and replaced. The original oaks, which were approximately 75 years old, were maliciously poisoned in 2010; the agricultural school spent a couple years nurturing and trying to save them - but the poison did too much damage and the trees ultimately died. Rolling festivities were halted while the trees were “sick” – but that didn’t stop Auburn fans from gathering at the corner for celebrations.
In 2015, when new trees were planted, students and fans had to wait a full year to resume rolling, so that the trees could take root. The long-standing tradition recommenced in the fall of 2016 – but it was short-lived. The ritual was once again halted when one of the oaks was set on fire – intentionally. But still, with every victory, the Auburn faithful showed up to rejoice with one another.
New trees were planted last week, and supporters will once again have to wait until they take root before restarting the custom that has been a part of Auburn for a half century. But that’s okay. If any fans know how to be patient, it’s Auburn fans.
History, spirit, life, and strength thrive on the corner of Magnolia and College. Trees may die, but traditions don’t. Not when they’re deeply rooted.
