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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 12 links in the chain
of the arrow badge, symbolizing the 12 founders. The golden
arrow is to be worn only by initiated members of Pi Beta Phi and
it is worn over the heart. |
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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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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 which makes the flower
attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members
which 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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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 rush. 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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