Well, here I am, admitting shame and assuming my guilt, so that I may shed it once and for all.
I’ve missed you, my dear readers.
This lovely Saturday finds me in Merced, California. March has begun with blooms on the trees and that annual sunlit promise of spring’s arrival. With just less than two months left on the road, I intend to mirror the new spring grass and grow with softness and endurance.
So bring on the rain, for we all know that’s how grass grows.
Anywho, I sure hope you have been celebrating National Ritual Celebration Week! If there’s one aspect of Greek life that both non-members and members consistently fail to understand, it’s Fraternity Ritual. The ceremonies have gone so far astray as modernity pursues, it’s difficult for anyone to immediately comprehend the necessity of the ritual, let alone understand, revere and celebrate it.
I mean, what’s the big deal? So a bunch of Civil War-era, college-age, top-hatted men and corseted women wrote some fancy prose, learned a couple Greek phrases, and required outsiders to recite vows, wear robes and promise secrecy in order to secure membership.
Why has this antiquated practice persisted through the years?” members and non-members, alike, ask in confusion.
Perhaps it’s done because it’s just always been done. There’s no significant reason to the pomp and circumstance. We just erect elaborate be-curtained structures, sing songs and pass out special badges for the sake of calling ourselves Greek. And why did they choose Greek in the first place? Do we even know anything about Greece? Why not Roman, Russian or Native American? Rather than Poseidon, Tri Delta (or perhaps the Society of the Three Skyward-Pointing Arrows?) might be represented by Chief Roaring Waters.
“Nope,” they all say. “Ritual presents no significance or pertinence to modern college students and society.”
But… just for the sake of argument, let’s take another look.
The badge. Who wears it? Initiated members. Why? Because they have proved themselves worthy. What does that entail? Blindfolds and pledge-ship? Animal sacrifice?
Interesting thought, but no. We wear it because it means something. Rather than just a piece of jewelry, its significance touches our hearts, brings us back to our founding, reminds us of our values.
Admittedly, one might question the value that could be had in a secret ritual. If ritual is such a good thing, why is it kept hidden?
Because though we each have our own symbols, patrons and secret mottoes, the true meaning behind these many representations should, in fact, be broadcast to the world through action and accomplishment. Everyone who meets a Tri Delta should be able to tell that she honors and upholds the values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. Those particular words may be hidden secretly within certain phrases and emblems, but it is our duty to live the meaning.
We do that by taking a reflective and selfless look at the way we live our lives. By pledging ourselves during ritual, we vow to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Whether in dress, academics, professionalism or relationships, bottom tier just doesn’t cut it. We refuse to settle but, rather, seek the highest, not for our own sake, but our brothers and sisters, national organizations, alumni, classmates, friends, family, acquaintances.
The ritual teaches us that, if we haven’t done something today to give back, we haven’t done enough. Your goal as a member is to leave your organization better than when you found it. Fortunately, we have each day of the rest of our lives to do this, as the ritual also teaches us that membership is not only for our college years, but for a lifetime.
So take the remaining days of National Ritual Celebration Week to reflect not on the ceremony, but on the message and values presented during your organization’s ritual. Then wear your badge proudly, not because it’s an honor, not because you know the secrets, but because you desire nothing more from membership than to include everyone you encounter in the privilege of living your values.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) International Badge Day is Monday, March 7, 2011. Proudly wear your badge to perpetuate a diverse and inclusive sisterhood among the Panhellenic community and display your values and ideals with loyalty, confidence and distinction.
