Uh, I took a look at those pictures, and didn't see anyone doing APO's handsign. That may be a traditional for some chapters, but our handsign is done differently.

BROTHER Brown - Let's revisit the site:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...usjeni/apo.bmp

Some of our Brothers are doing our traditional Boy Scout sign while one of them is doing the sign I was referring to. Do you see it now?

Now that I see it again, I'm figuring it's a sign for 25/52.

Sorry, could be the photo, but I don't see anyone doing the scout sign. Be aware that part of doing the scout sign is not just your finger positions, but how you hold you hand. 30 or so years in scouting, this is ingrained in you...

Now, if it's a sign for 25/52, I wouldn't argue on that point. But there isn't any APO hand sign that I can see in that photo.

:)

I realize that the Scout sign is supposed to be up and firm, but as it has travelled through the world of Alpha Phi Omega, it seems to have taken on a slight lean!! LOL!

Chi Delta Theta Sorority @ UC Davis <----*Link*

http://www.davischidelts.com/rush213.jpeg

Actually, the sign usually seen in my chapter was very simple, universally known, and designed to express extreme displeasure.
Any other signs, grips, and tokens were considered family business.

Here is myself and some of my goofy Delta Delta Delta sisters!! The two in the back are making one big Delta, and the other three girls are doing small Deltas with their hands (the thumbs are supposed to overlap though).
http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL804...5/94612622.jpg
This one is us beforehand, dicussing the details of doing a handsign..
http://pic17.picturetrail.com/VOL804...5/94612654.jpg

This is making me giggle much more than it should.

I'm extra late...
But I wanted to add that we don't have a "25/52" sign.

:p I'm not talking about a "25/52 sign." I mean a sign for the 25/52 love - i.e. the "I Love You" sign.

I personally wish that people would put thought/research into their handsigns. It's confusing. For example, I'm more familiar with Sigma Lambda Beta and then I find out that Lambda Upsilon Lambda have the same hand sign. So unless they have on letters in the picture I have no idea who they are. :(

While I can understand where you're coming from, I think that handsigns, unlike greek names or coat of arms or the like, aren't as 'public' knowledge. At least in my fraternity, this is one item of info you don't learn until you go thru the initiation ceremony.

Many of these organizations (including the two mentioned above) were founded before the internet was widespread, so at that time, most people were only familiar with the colors, names, handsigns, etc. of organizations in their particular region. Many of the LGLOs founded prior to 1990 didn't even know each other existed, so unfortunately, even the most extensive research was still limited in scope.

I understand your point. But I'm saying that if handsigns are used for identifying other members of your organization what do you do when 2 or more organizations have the same handsign. It's not big deal, just something I thought was interesting.

It is true that many organizations share similar handsigns. Sometimes people are petty about it, too. However, I think most of us who share a sign with another group just view it as a commonality and understand that organizations did not try to "copy" each other, but rather, just didn't have access to photos, information, etc. at the time the handsigns were "implemented." They mean different things to different organizations. My handsign is used by several different groups, and I would venture to say that because all of these groups are "old" in the LGLO world, I don't think any of us copied the other. Now, if a NEW fraternity or sorority emerged in 2005 and used this sign...well, that would just be poor form because there are photos and information that can be found EVERYWHERE!! :)


I suppose people might get confused if they see pictures on the net, etc. with the same handsign. I guess a good approach is to refrain from assuming that someone actually is your brother/sister if you are not sure. This is probably a good idea for lots of reasons, actually :)