In my first year at University I joined the Sigma Chi fraternity.  Sigma Chi is both an international organization and the worlds largest men’s college fraternity.   (Many college fraternities have homes on US campuses)

College fraternities derive from a storied tradition of fraternal groups like the Masons (which date back to medieval times).  Male groups with a focus on good character and moral practices.  This usually includes a strong charitable bent which is particularly evident in the Shriner’s which are a sect of the Mason’s; albeit more open about their charitable operations.

In the case of colleges, Greek letter societies, as they are sometimes known, would include sororities which are the female version of the fraternal bother hoods.  Sometimes these are known as sisterhoods but I have never heard them called maternal.

A common trait of these fraternal societies are secret rituals (initiation and ongoing rituals reflecting the morals and beliefs of the organization.) These groups also have methods of identifying other members (signs known only to other members).   I would disclose more about this but then as the saying goes I would have to kill you to keep it secret.  Oh well.

I should also note while these fraternal organizations, like college fraternities and the Masons, have a secret rituals they also have a public facing aspect, which includes espousing of the purpose, goals and focus of the group ; unlike secret societies like for example the Illuminati.

Whats the point/ Who cares?

Often when I tell people I am Sigma Chi  (a life long Sig at that) I often get the “party hardy” comment.  For those with memories of eighties movies, animal house is often mentioned.

Don’t get me wrong in a group of 30 to 50 young men in their early twenties (lot’s of testosterone) it would be unlikely not to see some hi-jinks.  I do admit to singing a few rounds of “lets go piss on the beta house” while in my cups.  That being said, scholarship and leadership are the most prominent traits of the fraternity.  Basically it’s an organization with a strong and stellar tradition of supporting the development of young men who exhibit a life long practice of becoming and staying men of good character.

Of course my comments don’t just apply to college fraternities organizations like the masons and other similar brotherhoods are mainly founded on a strong set of values, moral’s and  believes.   These organizations generally operate to the benefit of society as a whole.  (Before you hit the comment button I get this is not universal and yes I have heard of the Klu Klux Klan.)

Why a post about fraternities?

My blog posts are on a variety of topics.  Things that arise from discussions I have during the day, suggestions from friends and family and just out of the blue sky.

This particular topic came from a discussion with a colleague who was not aware of college fraternities (beyond the party hardy and hazing aspects).  This got me thinking about the long tradition of fraternal organizations (like Mason’s) with ritual’s practices and beliefs that truly benefit all of us.  These groups exist and for the most part are good.  They deserve our awareness and support.

Final Point –  Sigma Chi fraternity was well known in the early to mid twentieth century for the hit pop song “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” which got radio play and the record sold well.   This is the song the brothers use to serenade the chapters sweetheart at the annual Sweetheart ball.   (Young sorority co-eds happily compete for the honor of the Sweetheart designation in large part because of the gentlemanly reputation of the men of Sigma Chi – of which I am one)