|
The following overview will provide the basics regarding
the most popular rituals and their historical value, why they are done,
and will provide you with the information you never knew about fraternity
pledge rituals.
Popular Pledge Rituals
The initiation oath is required by all pledges that have been extended
an invitation to join the fraternity. The president of the fraternity
extends the oath and the pledges reply "I do" or "I will" responses.
Generally included in the initiation oath are promises to keep the secrets
of the fraternity, to promote the fraternity, not to join another fraternity,
to obey superiors, and for the new brother to improve himself through
the fraternity. These initiation oaths are to connect the pledge to
the brotherhood forever.
Other popular rituals include learning the language of
the fraternity as well as any signs or symbols associated. For example,
the Greek letters are always learned by pledges, as well as their Fraternity's
specific name and any passwords, mottos, handshakes, and the like that
might be associated.
The giving of the Fraternity pin to a pledge means he
has passed the initiation process and is given acceptance into the Fraternity.
Pinning ceremonies are very common and the highlight of most pledges
experiences because it means they are truly part of the brotherhood.
Tests are also given to make sure the pledge is serious
about becoming a brother and has learned all the information about the
Fraternity. Not learning the information is not acceptable and only
the pledges that really put forth the effort to become part of the brotherhood
will be asked to join and given a pin.
Frequently, on the night of initiation a silent dinner
is observed. This is done so the pledges may nourish themselves and
mentally prepare themselves for the initiation process.
And finally, there are almost always good faith statements
from the members of the Fraternity that nothing bad will happen to the
pledge during the initiation process. All of the negative things associated
with pledging occur during the hazing process. However, once a pledge
has made it through that and initiation night comes around he is treated
with respect and a new member of the Fraternity.
History of Pledge Rituals
The rituals are observed with each pledge season and throughout the
daily functions of the Fraternity because they were put in place by
the Fraternity's founders. Also, it is a way to make new pledges aware
of the rituals in the Fraternity and to include them in their daily
Fraternity life. The history behind these rituals are that they are
associated with the Fraternity and no matter where the individual is
in the world he will be connected with all other brothers, from the
past or future, by the rituals of the Fraternity. This is what the founding
fathers of the Fraternity wished, that no matter what a member of the
fraternity was a brother despite age, geography, or any other element.
Rituals create the brotherhood and as such are practiced to keep the
bond among the brothers strong.
The same rituals are practiced in all of the chapters
of the same Fraternity across the world. Because of this no matter where
you encounter a Sigma Nu or Pi Kappa Alpha they will be able to communicate
with you if you were a brother of one of these fraternities. This is
what the founding fathers of fraternities were looking for, a brotherhood
that lasted not only the four years of college, but throughout the brother's
life and in all of his travels. Because of this, fraternities are desirable
to many college students because they are joining a lifelong club.
Written by: University-College.net Staff Writer - Copyright University-College.net
all rights reserved
« Back to University
and College Articles
|
