Sorority and Fraternity Ritual Secrets
Greeks Enjoy Initiation Ceremonies, Symbolism, Badges, and Meaning
Jul 7, 2008
The secrecy of fraternity and sorority rituals has created tremendous interest throughout Greek history. This mysteriousness of these societies has led to many rumors and guesses regarding just exactly what goes on when the Greeks close the doors and initiate new members. While each Greek letter organization has its own specific rituals, there are certain themes and activities that repeat throughout all or most of them.
Use of Rituals
Most people think of the actual membership initiation when thinking of Greek rituals, but rituals are used on a regular basis throughout the year. There is a special ritual for potential new members after membership recruitment (formerly known as rush). Organizations hold chapter meetings each week which involves the use of some ritual. Each month there is usually a formal chapter meeting which often includes more ritual-related materials.
Greek organizations also have specific rituals for installing new officers, becoming alumni/alumnae, becoming pinned or engaged, and receiving big sisters/brothers. All of the rituals are written out in a ritual handbook which is kept under lock and key.
Pledging Ceremony
Pledging is an open ritual in that it is not considered secret. Potential new members are introduced to the organization during the pledging ceremony and receive a special pin to wear during their new member period. The potential new members learn some of the symbolism of the organization in preparation for learning fully about everything during initiation. They also learn the open motto that is used freely.
Initiation Ritual
For many Greeks, initiation is one of the highlights of their Greek experience. It involves the entire chapter and is conducted in a dignified and formal manner. There are usually props and special clothing worn by the initiating officers. The rest of the chapter dresses is a specific color or attire. For example, some sororities have all of their members wear white or black for the ceremony.
All chapters of the same fraternity or sorority conduct the same initiation so a woman who was initiated into a southern chapter of a certain sorority in one decade will experience the same ritual as a woman initiated into a western chapter five decades earlier. The initiation ritual is the key element that unites all men and women in their own organizations across time and location.
During the ritual, the initiates learn the secret motto, the meaning of the Greek letters in the sorority or fraternity name, the symbolism on the crest/shield, the handshake, songs, and any other information deemed important by the organization. Each initiate is asked to take an oath, repeat a vow, or in some way commit themselves to the group’s ideals.
When the initiates have committed themselves to the organization, they receive their badge/pin. The symbolism of the badge is explained to the new members. The badges vary greatly from organization to organization but frequently are in unique shapes with engravings of Greek letters and symbols. They often have jewels on them selected specifically by the founders for additional meaning as well.
Fraternity and sorority members greatly value their organization's secrets and find great pleasure in introducing new members to them. Whether it is pledging, initiation or other ceremonies, Greeks enjoy these rituals that connect them to all other members of their society and frequently call to mind the symbolism and meaning in their badges, pins and other secret items.
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