Symbols
are an important part of the understanding and appreciation of Pi Beta Phi.
These symbols serve as outward signs of unspoken ideals that all
Pi Phis share.
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The Badge |
The Crest |
The Carnation |
The Pledge Pin
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The Motto |
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The
Badge The badge of I.C. Sorosis was decided upon by the Founders in 1867,
and consisted of a golden arrow with the letters IC on its wings.
When the name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the
Greek letters replaced the IC on the wings. In 1934, at the Yellowstone
National Park Convention, the Convention voted that there should
be just twelve links in the chain of the badge - one for
each Founder. Upon initiation, a member is given a gold-filled arrow
badge. If she wishes, she may order a jeweled badge through Headquarters
at nominal cost. The golden arrow badge is to be worn only by initiated
members of Pi Beta Phi and is worn over the heart.
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The
Crest
The crest or coat-of-arms is a lozenge on which is blazoned the
Brownlee family crest. An eagle is displayed in the middle, on top
of which is the seal of Monmouth College (where Pi Phi was
founded). The blazing sun, with the Latin word "LUX" in
the center, is on the eagle's chest. In the eagle's right talon
is the monogram IC, and the left talon holds the arrow of Pi Beta Phi.
The lozenge signifies that the arms are that of a women's organization;
the eagle, by holding the IC in one talon and Pi Beta Phi
arrow in the other signifies the absolute identity between I.C.
Sorosis and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. The coat-of-arms was
adopted as the official fraternity crest at the 1912 Convention.
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The
Carnation
Adopted at the 1890 Convention, the wine carnation is now our official
flower. At the convention it was said, "The roots of the flower
are the Founders, for from them the whole plant grew ...the stem
represents the Grand Council. It gives to us what was received from
the roots. It gives us height and strength... the leaves of our
flower are the alumnae. They stand nearest the stem and assist it
in its work. They are in communication with the world and breathe
in for us the best of the world's ideals... the petals are red for
the girls are loyal. As it is the rich, wine color that makes the
flower attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members
that makes Pi Beta Phi beautiful in the eyes of everyone...
The pistil is the spirit and the stamens are ideals of Pi Beta Phi.
The petals stand closely united around these to defend and protect
them."
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The
Pledge Pin
The pledge pin is an arrowhead of Roman gold mounted with the Greek
letter B (Beta) in burnished gold.
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The
Angel
Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels
became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and that skits
depicting Pi Phis as angels were often used in recruitment.
Angel collections are popular among many Pi Phis. The Founders
did not choose the angel as a fraternity symbol; however, it is
a worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi.
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Colors
and Motto
The colors of the Fraternity, wine and silver blue, and the first
Greek Motto, Pi Beta Phi, were adopted at the convention
in 1882.
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