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Symbols & Badges
Forget-Me-Not
Symbolizing fidelity and elegance, this hardy bloom represents the friendships of Alpha Phi.
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Ivy
Alpha Phis have sung these lines for years in honor of the ivy leaf and our connection to it. An ever-growing vine, the ivy leaf symbolizes the growth of our sisterhood. It also represents fidelity and eternal friendship. Ivy has not only made its way into our songs, but is represented in our crest and is the shape of the Alpha Phi new member pins.
Ursa Major
One symbol that is dear to Alpha Phis is the Fraternity’s adopted constellation, Ursa Major, the Great Bear. This symbol was displayed on the ceiling of the Alpha Phi Executive Office in Evanston, Ill. Ursa Major is primarily known for its main seven stars, the “Big Dipper,” which are superimposed on the lower left-hand corner of Alpha Phi’s crest.
Greek Letters
“Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and “Phi” is the twenty-first letter. Pronounced “fee” or “fye?” In the Greek language, “Phi” is pronounced “fee” instead of “fye” when it follows a vowel. These letters, which our members don with pride, symbolize the tremendous history and unwavering commitment to encouragement and sisterhood.
Lily of the Valley
The elegant lily of the valley, fragrant and sweet, is a delicate flower beloved by Alpha Phis. These blossoms have been included in wedding bouquets, at Initiation banquet celebrations and everywhere in between. Bell-shaped and beautiful, the lily of the valley symbolizes purity and humility.
Silver & Bordeaux
While Silver and Bordeaux are Alpha Phi’s rich and distinctive colors today, they were not our Fraternity’s original colors. Azure and gold were our original selections, but, when a men’s fraternity on Syracuse University’s campus adopted the same colors to represent themselves, our Founders knew they needed a change. To differentiate ourselves and build our own traditions, Alpha Phis decided to switch our official colors to Silver and Bordeaux. These colors are often worn in a ribbon under member badges to acknowledge special occasions, such as Alpha Phi Founders’ Day on October 10, new chapter installations and milestone anniversaries.
Alpha Phi Crest
The Fraternity Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms, adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. It represents the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi’s heritage. The shield is Bordeaux with a scroll and ivy leaf above it. Inscribed on the scroll is the public motto, “Union hand in hand.” A bar of silver crosses the shield from left to right; the upper half of the shield contains a Roman lamp in silver and the lower half, Ursa Major. The meaning of the symbols depicted on the crest is a significant part of the Ritual, which is witnessed at initiation.
Alpha Phi Badge
The official badge of Alpha Phi is an simple monogram of gold showing the Greek letter for Alpha superimposed upon the Greek letter for Phi. Inscribed in black on the Greek letter for Phi are the letters a,o,e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony and unites all Alpha Phis. Voted as the official design in 1906 and adopted in 1908, this simple design underscores unity among members and is worn over the heart of initiated Alpha Phis.
Honor Badges
The lazy Phi pin, showing the elongated Alpha Greek letter and the Phi Greek letter on its side, honors Alpha Phi’s history and recognizes those who hold certain roles within the Fraternity. Today, special honor badges, replicas of the lazy Phi pin, are worn by international officers and Educational Leadership Consultants. They are also worn by collegiate chapter presidents during their term in office.
