Do you believe the legend of the BU seal?
‘No’
Marsh Plaza is a central part of BU’s campus. People are constantly cutting across it, sitting in it, or participating in events held there.
But, if you play close attention, you’ll realize that almost everyone avoids stepping on the oversized, unmistakable BU seal located in its center.
Why are people so adamant about watching their step?
Because of the legend of the BU seal.
Every student knows the supposed repercussions of stepping foot on the sacred seal, but the exact details of the legend vary from person to person.
I asked some awesome ladies residing in Warren Towers if they actually believe in the powers of the chunk of metal inserted in Marsh Plaza.
Shalini, 17, CAS
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“I don’t know…I forget what the legend is. Actually, I think that if you walk on it you won’t graduate, right? Or if you touch it you won’t graduate.”
Do you believe in the legend?
“No.”
So you would walk on the seal voluntarily?
“Yes…I’m not going to, but, like, if I walked on it I would still graduate.”
Camille, 18, COM
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“From what I’ve been told, if you step on it, walk across it, or whatever, you don’t graduate in four years. I’ve heard stories where people have graduated in three or five years, or they ended up transferring or dropping out of BU.”
Would you walk on the seal?
“Oh no! I would not. I’m not testing my luck at all.”
If you were to walk on the seal, on accident, do you think there is a way to reverse the curse?
“I don’t know! I think that once it’s done, it’s done. I haven’t heard of anyone who, like, walked across it and then did some weird ritual and then it was OK. So I don’t know.”
Sydney, 18, COM
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“So, I’ve heard that if you walk across the seal, you supposedly won’t graduate. That’s about all I know.”
Would you walk on the seal?
“Not on purpose! But I wouldn’t be surprised if I did it on accident.”
So if you end up walking on the seal, do you think there is a way to reverse the curse?
“I’m really not that superstitious. I have faith in myself that I’d graduate.”
Maddie, 18, Questrom
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“I’ve just heard that really bad things happen. I met someone who stepped on it his freshman year is now in his fifth year.”
Would you ever walk on the seal?
“Probably not.”
Alice, 20, CAS
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“I have no idea. I think if you step on it you’ll get expelled or you’re going to fail your tests.”
Would you walk on the seal?
“Maybe when I’m a senior.”
If you step on it before you’re a senior, do you think there is a way to reverse the curse?
“Maybe you can like kiss it or something.”
Hadley, 19, COM
Passerby’s watch in fear as Hadley comes close to stepping on the seal
What is the legend of the BU seal?
“If you step on the seal, then you won’t graduate.”
Would you step on the BU seal?
“Yeah, I accidentally did on my tour…”
That was prior to matriculation, so do you think that counts?
“I’m not superstitious. So i would step on it anyway.”
There you have it folks. Although some claimed to feel confident about willingly stepping on the seal, only one brave soul to has done so, even if it was an accident.
We really hope you graduate in four years Hadley.