subject: Student Life In College: Some Ideas About Greek Letter Societies 3 [print this page] Greek letter societies unite student who have similar attitude to life in general and to college life in particular. Besides, it is hardly possible to find an organization that would arouse less contradicting opinions, ideas, and comments. Some people think that a fraternity is like a family hearth while there are people who think that it is like a disease breeder that gives opportunity to students vices to come out without any punishment. Though these opinions are opposing, both of them have a right to exist as there is a grain of sense in each of them. This article will provide some details concerning Greek letter organizations so that you could make your own conclusions and form your own opinion about them.
The role of symbols and traditions in the life of a Greek letter society
Symbolic gestures, such as special handshakes are important for the members.
They also use special passwords to communicate and transfer important information.
Fraternity songs are sung by the members.
Though that above mentioned rituals may seem funny and useless for some people, they prove that traditions are observed and respected by the brothers and sisters and it is, definitely, a strong point of sororities.
Also, there can be some material signs of brotherhood or sisterhood, like badges or special clothes (t-shirts, jewelry). These objects usually have a clear sign of a fraternity, for instance, the Greek letters that make up its name.
The weak points of Greek letter societies
Initiation tradition. Initiation ceremony is a legend of the majority of fraternities. However, it can be great fun only for full-right members, not novices. The latter are poor things. You cannot even imagine what some newcomers have to go through to get a badge of a fraternity. The tests can be really humiliating and silly but many students are ready to try such ordeal.
Also, fraternities are notorious for their drunken feasts. However, drinking is prohibited in some fraternities.
