Coats of arms were originally family emblems. Then cities, socieites, and institutions adopted them. All college fraternities have them, but few have created their design with such faithful adherence to the laws of the ancient art of heraldry as has Lambda Chi Alpha.
Each part of the Lambda Chi Alpha coat of arms has a special meaning, the details of which are explained during the Initiation Ritual. Many of the public meanings of the symbols on the coat of arms are explained during teh Associate Members Ceremony, and therefore, the coat of arms may be used and worn by all members, including associates. It may be used on jewelry and stationary, among other things.
The crest of the coat of arms consists of the cross and crescent, the two primary symbols of Lambda Chi Alpha. The basic section of the shield is quartered and consists of a Greek lamp, a balance, a book, and clasped hands with three stars. Upon the shield is an inescutcheon, or small shield placed in the center of the sheild. The inescutcheon was added to signify the union of Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Kappa Nu - the lion holding a white rose. Another unique feature of our coat of arms is the prescence of the badge. A most appropriate design element, Lambda Chi Alpha is the only college fraternity to include its badge on the coat of arms.
Mottoes on early coats of arms were battle cries. Today, they serve to challenge all members of Lambda Chi Alpha. The Latin motto at the top, "Crescent in the Cross," applies very definitely to teh crest design. The Greek motto on the collar surrounding the shield means "Naught Without Labor," or "What Is Worthwhile Is Difficult." The Latin motto on the bottom ribbon, taken from Theta Kappa Nu, means "Every Man a Man."
The badge is a pearl-set crescent with horns turned toward the left, enclosing a monogram of the Greek letters Lambda, Chi, and Alpha. The center of the crescent bears the Greek letters Delta and Pi in gold on black enamel. A variety of jewels may be selected for the Lambda.
Probably no fraternity badge has deeper meaning than that of Lambda Chi Alpha. Not merely the pearls and the Greek letters and the crescent have their symbolism, but each line of the crescent and the relationship of the emblems to each other add still greater significance.
The badge should never be used as mere decoration; i.e., on stationary, programs, or publications. It is an evidence of membership for an individual and should be used only for that purpose.
The badge is worn over the heart by initiated members in good standing on the outermost layer of clothing that is not normally removed; i.e., pull-over sweater, vest, or shirt. It is worn only on a collarde shirt. It is not worn on a jacket of any type. The badge may be worn in similar fashion, usually in the miniature or medium size, by a fiancee, wife, mother, or sister of a member in good standing.
The badge guard normally is teh Greek letter(s) designating the member's chapter of initiation. Without exception, the guard is worn by all members so that it is clearly below the Delta Pi on the badge.
The associate member pin has a most interesting history because it embodies the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu as well as the original new member pin of Lambda Chi Alpha. The original Lambda Chi Alpha pin was a gothic arch, and with the union, this was superimposed upon the triangles composing the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu.
The Associate Member Ceremony is a condensed version of the pledge and initiation degrees of Theta Kappa Nu. Today, the symbolism of Theta Kappa Nu remains in the form of the associate member pin.
The associate member pin is worn by associate members in the same fashion that the badge is worn by initiated members. A chapter may require associate members to wear the emblem only on occasions at which all initiated members are required to wear the badge. The pin is given the same respect by the wearer as the badge of Lambda Chi Alpha; it is worn only on a collard shirt, vest, or pull-over sweater.
The Seal
The seal is used to identify official General Fraternity documents and
publications. It should not be used for decoration, as an ornament for
jewelry, stationery, etc., unless it is to be used as the official stationery
for the General Fraternity. It is now properly used on charters, membership
certificates, and authorized publications of the General Fraternities.
The seal is in the Fraternity's colos., and bears the Greek inscription:
"Seal of the Brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha."
The Lambda Chi Alpha flag may be flown on appropriate occasions or placed on a wall. Chapters may place their Zeta letters in the upper right corner to identify their flags.
Unlike many fraternity recognition buttons, that of Lambda Chi Alpha is neither a miniture coat of arms nor a display of the cutout letters. It is a special design showing the cross and crescent combined. It is worn only on the left lapel of a suit jacket or sports jacket. Its original purpose was to permit members unknown to each other to recognize the common bond when the badge was not worn or was obscured by the jacket without "boasting to the world" of one's fraternal ties.
The cross and crescent with shield bearing the Greek letters pin was originally designed to be worn by girlfriends of members when the relationship had not yet reached the stage of engagement or marriage. Today, the pin also is worn by members on occasions when the badge would be too formal, by members who have not purchased a badge, or by members who prefer its design. The cross and crescent may be worn by associate members as well as initiates.
The Fraternity flower is the white rose.
The Fraternity colors are purple, green, and gold.
The Greek intials and English words of Lambda Chi Alpha may be used on a variety of clothing and a multitude of other items. As with the Fraternity's other emblem's, Lambda Chi Alpha should never appear in a way that would be offensive or degrading.
Associate members are permitted and encouraged to wear our initials and our name on clothing.