The Strange Ones Defined

Detroit Redwings Octopus Throw

     Regarded as one of the strangest ritual throughout all established sports, if not the one,  has to be this one.  This can be said for several reasons.  First pf all there are no naturally living octopi living around the Great Lakes city.  Secondly, hockey has never been associated with an octipus nor any other sport for my knowledge, besides hunting them.  Lastly, the team nor the owners created this ritual.  The octopus throwing is a completly fan derived ritual.  A ritual that is not endorsed by the franchise or the owners of the Red Wings; but it has survived as a long loved tradtion and wing's fans. 

    More Relationship of ritual with the sport, fans, team, and stadium owners and workers.  Also how this guy is banned from swinging it now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx3xLU4PKlY&feature=related youtube video if allowed

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While the Red Wings win the award for strangest ritual, the New Zealand All Black rugby team may be the most unique ritual.  Combining tradition and nationalist spirit into a pregame dance.  The Haka is an historic wardance done by the natice Maroi people.  When done, the dance meant to not only intimidate the opponent, but to tell them to prepare for battle; even if the opponent did not want to.  Unlike the octopus tradition, the Haka is well received throughout the rugby world.  Opposing stadiums allot a time immediatly before the game begins for the perfomance.  The dance is meant to intimidate the opponent, intensify the mentality of All Blacks for the game, and to express a unified team of New Zealanders.  

Reaction by opponents varies....need a little more research 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEupSWeYEAY&feature=related  youtube video if allowed

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