If it were just the jewel, or just the flower; heck, if it was only one symbol I would not even think twice. However they were all very popular items in the late 19th century.

The rumor that I always heard is that a member of SK transfered and missed her sisters. She found 7 friends that wanted to become SK. But for some reason SK couldn't expand at the time. So they started SSS. Seven Sorrowful Sisters. Only 7 of 8 were sorrowful because one was already SK. :D

But honestly, I put as much stock into it as the alleged meanings of KKG and Pi Phi. :p

I was told that SK has no records of any of the 8 SSS founders being in SK. But wouldn't taking the vows of another sorority be grounds for expulsion? Therefore, her name expunged from the records. :confused:

All of our Founders were from Virginia and attended school right after finishing high school or home tutoring, so the transfer thing to my knowledge isn't valid.

Also, there is a secret meaning of SSS which is revealed at initiation that has nothing to do with sorrow...

Sorry !! I double clicked!!:o

Alpha Gams official jewel is the pearl but we also use the diamond on our badges along with pearls, in fact our grand president has an all diamond badge. She is the only one who can have one!

so, is it bad to say Tri-Sig? Let me know cuz that is what I have always said and I dont want to say something that is bad!

i've been told that some people are getting pissed off because of this thread, i just wanted to tell everyone: CHILL OUT!! it was a light-hearted question!!! apparently those that don't feel at ease with this topic aren't posting anything, but are reading it...and I just want to say ... curiosity killed the cat, thats the only reason i asked!!

sigma love (no matter what kind of sigma you are),
1260

can I even ask...
 

I haven't heard these... can someone clue me in, or would this be just spreading more s**t? (Of course, the alleged meanings and stories behind them are probably humorous (i.e. "Seven Sorrowful Sisters"), and I for one am always up for a good laugh).

It is seen as a sign of disrespect among us Tri Sigmas to be called a "Tri-Sig". Just like you wouldn't shorten fraternity to "frat", we ask that you say Tri Sigma or Sigma Sigma Sigma....

Just out of curiousity, and I do not mean this snidely at all, but how is it sign of disrespect for someone to call you a Tri-Sig if you are a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma?

Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma are called Kappas, Kappa Alpha Thetas are called Thetas, Gamma Phi Betas are referred to as G-Phis, and what about Chi-O, Pi Phi, A-Phi, DG, etc, etc, etc... Those names are not used disrespectfully, they are just more convenient in casual conversation, as is Tri-Sig.

I think, and a Tri-Sigma will correct me if wrong:) , but becuas there is a Lesbian Organization who goes by Tri-Sig, I believe that is why the Sigma Sigma Sigma ladies prefer to be called Tri-Sigma or Sigma Sigma Sigma. It eases the confusion. I hope that is correct, if not, I will delete this post.

Back on the original topic, I have heard a lot of rumors concerning the similarities also. When I was a freshman I pledged Sigma Kappa while another girl down the hall from me in the dorm pledged SSS. Everyone who was in my chapter at ASU at the time will remember her. (There were only 8 if them at the time).She was always trying to find out our ritual, and I think she sort of knew some of it somehow. It had been brought up that they were very similar. Some girls said that SSS in the beginning found out some of SK's ritual and incorporated some of it into their own. It was really weird all the similarites, but I am NOT saying that they stole ours, I am only trying to say that at our school we also heard strange things circulating around about the two.
...I have also heard that Tri Sigma is the most secret sorority of all for some reason. I have heard the same about FIJI.

To make a little clarification. We are not to be called Tri Sig because neither Tri or Sig are Greek words. We are Sigma Sigma Sigma and our "nickname" accepted is Tri Sigma (meaning 3 Sigma's) or Sigma's. Hope that helps. Our national organization has asked we not be called Tri Sig. Has nothing to do with any other organization.

Question... (and I in no way, shape, or form mean for this to sound like I'm being Ms. Smarty Pants) ...how can one "secret society (such as a fraternity or sorority) be any more secret than another secret society? We all have our rituals and our secrets, right?

Thank you Red Rose. I was wondering the same thing. Since Zeta isn't considered the "most secret" sorority, does that mean people all over the country know our secrets??? I certainly hope not! :rolleyes:

Tri is a greek word. Means three. That is why you are called Tri Sigmas. There are three sigmas in your name. :)