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Sorority Rituals, Ceremonies and Rites of Passages

Over the years, campuses have studied the Greek organizations such as the sorority and fraternity. Some campuses assessed that such organizations are not conducive to obtain positive educational experience. However, other campuses reviewed and developed standards in terms of behavior, operation and relationships. The National Panhellenic Conference is one of the sororities that add value in improving their communities as well as university experience. The continuous growth of sororities shows the purposes and results of the organization. The sororities assert the ties of friendship secretly. As time flies, the organization became influential as they took over some public functions and group support to other young women.

Sorority Rituals

The rite of passages is one of the rituals in a sorority. It is a formal ceremony conducted before an individual becomes a member of the sorority. It is a sort of ceremonial transitions of life as a woman grows. This ritual marks the transition and growth of the member in the organization. It is believed that rituals help in stabilizing the behaviors and at the same time serves as vehicle for communication. Likewise, during the ritual ceremony the organization used items that symbolize the Greek gods and mythology.

The major components of the sorority rituals are making promises to the ideals of the organization and revealing the secrets of the sorority. The initiation ceremony is another ritual of the sorority. However, the initiation rituals differ from one organization to another. After the initiation ceremony the person becomes a fully fledged member of the sorority and can wear the badge of the organization. Likewise, the new member is given all the privileges and rights of the sorority.

The rituals, ceremonies and rites of passage are important aspects of sororities. There are different classifications of rites of passage such as life-cycle ceremonies, social transformation, religious transformation and others. Likewise, sororities also conduct purification rites and oaths of allegiance. The rituals also help in creating firm group identity. It nourishes the interpersonal relationships and social bonds of the members of the sorority.

Pledging Ceremony

Pledging ceremony is one of the sorority rituals in which potential members undergo pledging ceremony. After the ceremony they will receive special pin that they will wear in a specific period. The new member should learn the symbolism of the organization and other things related to the organization before the initiation rites.

Initiation Rites

The initiation rite is the culminating part and it is done in a formal and dignified manner. The initiating officer wears special clothing and other props during the ceremony. The rest of the members of the sorority wear the chapter attire. During the ritual, the new member learns the meaning of the Greek letters, the symbolism, the songs, the handshake and other information related to the organization.
Indeed, the rituals and ceremonies conducted by the sorority connect each member of the organization to the society. Likewise, the best thing about this is that the members of the sorority learn to become responsible in keeping the secrets of the organization.

Written by: University-College.net Staff Writer - Copyright University-College.net all rights reserved

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