Download a Bingo Card to Track Berkeley Traditions and Superstitions.
Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley has a rich history that spans over 150 years. While some of this history includes traditions that many Golden Bears regularly participate in, there are also a variety of campus superstitions that students may want to be wary of. Read on to find out what those traditions and superstitions are, and see how many you have participated in (or, if you’re an incoming student, what you might want to do)!
You can even download and print our Traditions & Superstitions bingo card to track your progress.
Not Stepping on the Seal (and If You Do, Running to 4.0 Ball!)
One of the most infamous superstitions that nearly all Berkeley students know about is what happens when you step on one of the three University seals around Memorial Glade. It’s said that if you do, you won’t be able to achieve a 4.0 GPA, whether for that semester or for your overall Berkeley GPA. If you do happen to step on the seal, you can try and counteract the effects by kissing or rubbing 4.0 Ball, the ball statue in front of the Campanile, for good luck!
4.0 Ball in front of the Campanile.
Rolling Down 4.0 Hill
This is another well-known way students try to increase their luck before midterms or finals! During these times, you can often see many students rolling down 4.0 Hill on campus. I first heard about this tradition when I was fifteen during a tour of UC Berkeley, and I was thrilled to be able to participate with my friends once I officially came to Cal.
4.0 Hill, where you may see students roll down for good luck.
Yelling for Hugo
There are many different theories as to how this tradition came about, but the one my friends and I heard was that one UC president’s dog, Hugo, ran away before finals. The president then promised that whichever student found the dog would get all A’s on their upcoming tests. This tradition is mostly carried out in the Residence Halls. During my time living in Unit 2, I’ve definitely heard my fair share of students yelling out for Hugo.
Walking Under Athena
Legend has it that if you walk under Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, at the Doe library entrance, you will gain wisdom! However, if you walk back out underneath her, she takes it back. So, students often walk out the library’s back doors to keep the knowledge they gained.
A Special RRR Week Melody
In 1930, the campus carillonist played “The Hanging of Danny Deever,” a mournful melody, the last day before finals began and accidentally started an end-of-semester tradition that continues to this day.
Hiking to the Big C
Starting near the Foothill parking lot, the walk to the Big C is a quintessential hike that almost all Cal students do at one point, whether with a Golden Bear Orientation group or with friends! With its stellar view of the city and lush vegetation, it’s also a popular photography and videography spot.
Going Up the Campanile
One of the best parts about going to UC Berkeley is our proximity to the Bay, which students can see from certain parts of campus like our clocktower, the Campanile! The view is amazing, and my favorite time to go is right before it closes so the sunset frames the Bay. (Fun Fact: Our Campanile is the second-tallest freestanding clock and bell tower in the world!)
The top of the Campanile promises great views of campus and the Bay.
Doing Card Stunts at a Football Game
Cal’s tradition of being at the forefront of innovation is not exclusive to STEM fields — Cal fans actually invented the practice of doing card stunts during the Big Game of 1914! Today, card stunt committees coordinate these elaborate stunts for students to participate in.
Meeting Oski
Finding Oski, Berkeley’s legendary bear mascot, on campus is something that a lot of students try to do at least once. He is usually walking around campus during big events like Cal Day!
Firing the California Victory Cannon During the Big Game
The Cannon is fired at the beginning of each home football game, after each score, and after each victory. Members of the Rally Committee have the opportunity to serve on Cannon Crew and help fire the California Victory Cannon!
Not Wearing Red to the Big Game
It’s a well-known tradition that you should avoid wearing red to sporting events—lest you rep Stanford’s colors—but it’s especially important not to do so at the Big Game! Instead, students opt for blue, gold, yellow, and white.
Big Game Bonfire
The Bonfire Rally is the largest and most important event put on by the UC Rally Committee. Held in the Hearst Greek Theatre on the eve of the Big Game, it is by far the most stunning display of the Spirit of California that one can find at this University. Enjoyed by thousands of students and alumni alike, this bonfire is a key component in firing up our fellow Californians before the Big Game.
Searching for All the Bear Statues on Campus
Since Berkeley is the home of the Golden Bears, there are numerous bear statues on campus. Can you find them all?
You’ll find this bear by Strawberry Creek. Sculpted by Raymond Puccinelli. Installed in 1955.
Spreading the Cal Spirit
Have you heard of or participated in any of the traditions and superstitions we listed above? If not, and you have spare time one of these days, try going on a campus walk with friends and seeing how many you can accomplish. Who knows? You might just create your own in the process.
Stay golden, Bears.
Revised and updated by Nina Takahashi, Class of 2026, majoring in film & media and minoring in Japanese and creative writing. This blog was first published in 2021 by Kaylie Chen, Class of 2021, who majored in legal studies.
Want More?
- Discover what makes UC Berkeley unique.
- Complete your Berkeley Bucket List.
- Check how many common Berkeleyisms you know.