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why not have all members do the activities instead of just the new members, to still keep them as traditions and not chnce them being construed as hazing. like have the new member make a costume or hat or something for her big and then they get to see the excitement of both the sister and the new member wearing the item the other made?
or do the turtle thing but have the sisters have to answers history questions (serves multiple purposes-older members stay up on their info, it shows the new members that it is important to know the history and such of the chapter and it helps the new members learn the info). There are so many things that can be done and produce 'tangible' memories markers any activity or craft could do the same. While I do not think the original purpose of these activities was hazing or what not, some 'traditions' tend to chance over time anyway. an example is that my bf fraternity was able to trace back exactly when certain 'traditions' started in his chapter and realized these things that were thought to be done since the chapter was founded, began over 6 years after the chapter was founded. is that a 'tradition' really?
i feel our rituals and initiations are such strong traditions, as much as i love other fun activities, when i think back about the major highlights in my greek life, going through initiation as a new member and as an initiated sister has made so much more of an impact and really affect my everyday life as i think about what are the true and deep meanings of my org. the unveiling of my big sister or having to recite the greek alphabet to a match really pail in comparison to initiation and that is the only real true 'tradition' from chapter to chapter of each org.
sorry, that was so long winded and kind of a bit off topic.
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