ABSTRACT
From the stands, spectators participate in sports folklife by showing solidarity with their favorite team and engaging in rituals designed to spur the team to victory. Forms of identity building include the wearing of team colors and insignias and the use of animal mascots. Cheerleaders urge spectators to root for their team performing gymnastic feats to generate excitement. The familiar “rah, rah, rah” of college cheers derives from the “hip, hip, hurrah” of British yells and has become elaborated into creative rhymes and routines.
