Sorority Rituals - Reflections On Rites of ... - Mari Ann Callais

If this is so, then rituals may be a key factor as to why sororities have lasted through time.
Driver’s description of rituals also helps to put into perspective the importance of ritual
ceremonies to sororities as well as to the university.
Description of a Ritual Ceremony
Before I continue explaining what this study will add to the academic body of literature, I
feel that it is important for a description of a ritual ceremony to be presented. I developed this
description to give a frame of reference as what is meant by a ritual ceremony in the context of
sororities and it does not reference any particular organization:
Typically, a ritual ceremony was written by the founders or the early members of the
sorority or by a third party, often times a man, who was affiliated with a men’s fraternity.
The ceremony would most likely include ritual equipment that is comprised of items that
have some significance or meaning for the sorority. The ritual items may be symbols such
as flowers, jewels, or even something reflected in ancient Greek mythology or even
reference to Greek gods. Reference may be made to religious symbols and writings. Some
groups reference the death and rebirth process. An explanation of the meaning behind
certain words, phrases, mottoes used by the organization may be explained as well as a
description of the meaning of the coat of arms or crest of the organization. The ceremony
may include special clothing, candles, an altar or table, a ritual book, etc. The sorority
may have a ceremony that includes two or more different parts. The major components of
most rituals would be making some sort of promises to the ideals of the sorority and
having the secrets of the sorority revealed to them. The member is also moved from the
new member/pledging phase into initiated member status. The members take an oath to
keep the ceremony secret for it contains the secrets of that particular sorority.
One of the primary rituals that take place within the sorority structure is the initiation
ceremony during which time a person becomes a full member of the organization. Initiation
rituals vary from organization to organization. If an organization was founded on a specific set of
values and standards or a belief, their rituals will reflect that belief, value, standard, etc. If they
are founded on a particular religious belief, they may also reflect those beliefs. The ceremony
will include promises, or an oath, and will at some point reveal the secrets of that organization.
The symbols of the ritual are tied to the historical founding of a particular organization. When the
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