Traditionally,
Alpha Sigma Phi has been
referred to as "The Old Gal", an
affectionate term so old that its origin is unknown. Alfred
Dewey Follett, the first Grand Senior President of the
fraternity, addressed the 1918 National Convention with
his visualization of "The Old Gal."
The oldest and most cherished
traditions of the fraternity are contained in the esoteric
Rituals of Alpha Sigma Phi, never revealed to anyone
outside the fraternity. The secret grip of the fraternity
has never been described in writing, and it is passed
on from brother to brother as new members are initiated
into the Mystic Circle of Alpha Sigma Phi. This grip
and the traditional heraldry in the coat of arms serve
as devices of recognition shared only by the initiated.
Most chapters hold an annual "Sig
Bust", when alumni brothers return to renew fraternal
ties and meet the current
undergraduate membership. The highlight of the reunion
is a traditional dinner. On or near December 6 each
year, chapters hold a banquet or other observance of
Founder's Day to honor the anniversary of the founding
of Alpha Sigma Phi. Alumni brothers and special guests
are invited to attend. It is a time of rededication
of the fraternity to the pursuit of its goals and objectives.
Chapters of Alpha Sigma Phi are
given Greek-letter designations,
assigned in order of installation into the Fraternity.
No chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi is designated Omega, the
last letter of the Greek alphabet that traditionally
signifies "the
end." Deceased brothers are respectfully referred
to as having joined Omega
Chapter.
The Badge of Alpha Sigma Phi is almost exactly
the same design as that created by Louis Manigault in
1845. It is the only fraternity badge that is rectangular
with right-angle corners. The badge of Alpha Sigma Phi
is never to be modified in size or jeweled in any way.
Every member of Alpha Sigma Phi wears exactly the same
badge. Inscribed on the back of each member's badge is
the brother's name, initiation date, chapter name (in
Greek letters), and chapter founding date.
The Pledge Pin of Alpha Sigma Phi is
an adaptation of the Badge of Alpha Kappa Pi, which consolidated
with Alpha Sigma Phi in 1946. It is worn on the left
lapel of a suit or sport coat or over the heart on sweaters
or shirts. The Pledge Pin is the property of the Chapter
and is entrusted to the Pledge in accordance to the instructions
given to him. The symbolism of the Pledge Pin is explained
in the Pledging Ritual.
A special key, a replica of
the Delta Beta Xi badge worn by Alpha Chapter at Yale
from 1864 to 1875, recognizes outstanding service to
the fraternity. It is worn only by brothers who are recipients
of the Delta Beta Xi award. The award is given to no
more than ten brothers each year by the Grand Council,
based on nominations by chapters. The Delta Beta Xi key
is suspended by a cardinal-and-stone ribbon, similarly
to a military medal.
Alpha Sigma Phi has a collection of traditional songs,
many of them written over the years by Alpha Sig brothers.
One of the first publications of the fraternity was a
songbook. The Songs of Alpha Sigma Phi is available through
National Headquarters as both a songbook and a cassette
tape.
For he's an Alpha Sig,
He's a man you ought to know,
For he's an Alpha Sig,
He's not too fast and not too
slow,
He's a gentleman and a scholar
with a heart beneath his vest;
He looks like all the others,
but he's better than the rest!
For he's an Alpha Sig,
He's a man you ought to, a man
you want to,
a man you're sure to know!
Who says sweetheart to you,
who calls you all his own?
Who stands lonesome and blue,
talking of love to the moon up
above?
Tell me who's eyes are gazing
in yours,
make all your dreams come true?
Who has the right to kiss you
goodnight?
Tell me, whose Alpha Sig Girl
are you?
Now everyone knows Alpha Sigma
Phi,
That they are the best just cannot
be denied;
They have that style, that smile,
that friendly way,
No matter where you'll go you'll
recognize them,
and you'll say, "Now they're the Greeks I'd like
to know
They've got that Alpha Sig fight,
zip and go,
And just to see them smile is
quite a treat,
Can't be beat, Alpha Sigma Phi!
Other notable songs include Within
the Mystic Circle,
A Toast to Alpha Sigma Phi, Wake
Freshmen Wake, The Table's
Set, and Come Let's Gather. |
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Symbols
and Tradition
Annual Traditions
The
Badge
The Delta Beta Xi Key
For
He's an Alpha Sig