Theta Chi
Symbols of Theta Chi
The Badge
The original Theta Chi badge was designed by Egbert Phelps, assistant founder of the Fraternity, sometime before the founding date. The records show that the first badges were ordered by Freeman from a Boston jeweler on April 12, two days after the founding.
The Theta Chi badge is considered one of the most unusual and distinctive in the entire fraternity world, and is entirely unlike any other badge in appearance.
"I am the badge of Theta Chi.
I was born among the granite hills of Vermont.
I am as old as the ideals of humanity. I am everlasting youth.
I am the symbol of the Fraternity.
I am the two Greek letters, Θ and X.
My constitution is pure gold.
I represent truth, honor, character, strength, achievement.
I cannot be given away.
I cannot be exchanged.
I cannot be sold in barter or in trade.
Once accepted, I remain a possession forever.
I am worn over the heart.
My intrinsic value cannot be estimated.
I am treasured, cherished, honored.
My influence continues throughout life.
I am proud of my patriotic devotion and service.
I shall remain always undivided in my loyalty and allegiance to my flag—my country.
I am the badge of Theta Chi."
-Frank H. Schrenk, Kappa/Pennsylvania '12
The Coat of Arms
Sometimes mistakenly called the crest, the Fraternity Coat of Arms is described in heraldic phraseology, as:
"Or on a bend gules, a nowed serpent between two swords, points downward, pale wise, all of the first. On an Esquire's helmet the crest an eagle displayed Or".
In plain English this means that on a gold shield (field) there is a red bar running from the upper left to the lower right (bar dexter). On this bar, in gold are emblems (charges) which are a knotted serpent between two downward pointing swords. At the top of the shield is an esquires helmet on which stands a gold eagle (crest).
An explanation of the symbolic meaning of the coat of arms is in the ritual.
The Colors
The colors of the Fraternity are military red and white. In 1909 the Grand Chapter designated, as the standard fraternity color, the same shade of red that is used in the flag of the United States of America.
The Flag
At the 64th Anniversary Convention, held in April of 1920 in New York City, the following specifications for a flag were adopted:
"Size 6 feet by 9 feet, made of fine wool bunting, doubled and sewed back to back, white field with 8-inch red border; Greek letters OX, coiled rattlesnake and 1856 appliquéd on both sides in fine finish felt."
The Flower
The flower of Theta Chi Fraternity is the red carnation.
The New Member Button
New Member/Pledge Button: An insignia worn at appropriate times by men who have pledged Theta Chi Fraternity. Our pledge button is a small metal oval, red in color, with a white edge, and crossed diagonally with white stripes forming an "X".
The Recognition Buttons
This is a small button which is worn on a coat lapel. The recognition button comes in three forms. The official recognition button is a small reproduction of the official badge. A second version is a miniature coat of arms, while a third version utilizes the fraternity letters.
Greek Letters
Coat of Arms
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