12th Man
The tradition of the Twelfth Man was born on the second of January 1922, when an underdog Aggie team was playing Centre College, the nation's top ranked team at the time.
Aggie Ring
One of the greatest moments in the life of every Aggie is the day that he or she receives an Aggie Ring. This tradition began with the Class of 1889. The original rings were very different from the one worn today because, at that time, several companies made different versions of the Aggie Ring. E. C. Jonas, Class of 1894, designed a ring that is similar to the ring worn today.
Big Event
The Big Event is the largest, one-day, student-run service project in the nation where students of Texas A&M University come together to say ‘thank you’ to the residents of Bryan and College Station. For the past 25 years Aggie students have participated in this annual event to show their appreciation to the surrounding community by completing service projects such as yard work, window washing, and interior/exterior painting. Although The Big Event has become the largest one-day, student-run service project in the nation, our message still remains the same – simply “thank you.”
Bonfire
The first Aggie Bonfire began in the early 1900's as a pile of wood and trash next to the train station. The cadets decided to make a Bonfire to congratulate the football team on their win.
Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M is not just another ROTC unit that might be found at most campuses. Approximately 2,000 men and women of the Corps form the largest uniformed body of students outside the U.S. military academies.
Fish Camp
Every year nine hundred counselors willingly give up time and effort in order to welcome Texas A&M’s greatest and most important tradition: The Freshmen Class. Through a 4-day orientation program held in Palestine, TX, freshmen are given the opportunity to learn Aggie Traditions, ease their way into college life, develop leadership skills and create bonds that will last a lifetime.
Gig 'em
Pinky Downs, class of 1906 and a member of the Board of Regents from 1923 to 1933, is credited with the Gig ‘Em hand sign. At the 1930 Yell Practice before the TCU football game, Downs shouted out, "What are we going to do to those Horned Frogs?" Answering his own question, he replied, “Gig ‘Em, Aggies!” while making a fist with his thumb extended. A “gig” is a spear-like tool used for hunting frogs. The gesture became known as the first hand sign of The Southwest Conference.
Howdy
"Howdy" is the official greeting of Texas A&M University. It is our way of ensuring that no one feels like a stranger. The exact origin on this tradition is not known. However, "Howdy" is what sets us apart as the friendliest campus in the world.
Midnight Yell
Yell Practice began as a post dinner activity in early 1900’s, when different corps companies would gather together to "learn heartily the old time pep."
Muster
Aggies gathered together on June 26, 1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and classroom. Eventually the annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas Independence on San Jacinto Day – April 21st. Over time the tradition has changed, but its very essence has remained “If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.”
Replant
It is one of the largest student-run, enviromental service projects in the nation. It was orginally developed by Scott Hantman to replenish some of the trees cut for the Bonfire. In the Spring of 1991, he joined Bonfire leaders and planted 400 trees. In 1994, it became a SGA committee that works year-round coordinating the event. They are sponsored by Texas A&M, the National Tree Trust, and the Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Somerville. Thousands of trees are planted each year by hundreds of student volunteers from A&M and the Bryan/College Station area. Trees are planted at local parks, schools, and other public land properties. All trees are donated by the National Tree Trust (between 500-10,000 per year).
Reveille
Reveille, the first lady of Aggieland, is the official mascot of Texas A&M University. She is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, and she is a Five-Star General.
Silver Taps
By far, one of Texas A&M's most honored traditions is Silver Taps. Silver Taps is held for a graduate or undergraduate student who passes away while enrolled at A&M. This final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month following the students’ passing.
For more information on these and additional Texas A&M Traditions visit http://aggietraditions.tamu.edu/