Fraternities - typic idetifications

[interested-one]

Hello at all,
I'm interested in the traditions of greek fraternities.
I would be glad if I could get some information.
Thank you!

[Elephant Walk]

I was going to respond in German, but I hadn't spoke it in so long. It's probably atrocious. If you have trouble understanding, send me a message.

Pledging length varies among fraternities from as short as 2 days to as long as 8 months. The pledges role is to be a student of the (non-ritual) fraternity in all forms. Our pledges learn how to throw parties, how to make punch, how to be good brothers, and all the non-ritual information (such as history).

I'm not sure what you are asking about common rituals. Many fraternities rituals are somewhat loosely based on some sort of masonic ritual, I think although I really don't know.

Forming a unity is sort of a split question. The pledges are taught unity with their pledge class first as well as the fraternity. This is done through several activities, which include hazing as well as non-hazing activities. The chapter as a whole finds several ways to form unity..one of the biggest I believe is living in the same house together. The chapters may also do some sort of activities to bond, but it is not set in stone.

edit: I'll do my best short answer in German, but again it may be terrible.

Ein "pledge" ist ein "pledge" fuer zwei tage zu acht monaten. Keine typisch zeit. Die "pledges" haben Geschichte gelernen. Die "pledge" ist die Studenten uber die fraternity. In alles weg des fraternity. Party oder Geschichte, viele dinge zu lernen.

Ich habe nicht "common ritual" verstehen, aber viele fraternity ritual kommt aus Masonic ritual, Ich denke.

Fuer fraternity einheit, es ist nicht einfach. Einheit fuer pledges ist sehr wichtig. Wir macht einheit mit "hazing" und "nicht-hazing" fuer pledges. Leben in die haus macht einheit fuer die ganze fraternity. Vielleicht fraternities habt ein nur brudder nacht, wann es ist nur brudders in der fraternity und nicht "auslander." (Es war am besten wort, ich habe keine ahnung ein andere wort.)

[Zillini]

Originally Posted by Elephant Walk

edit: I'll do my best short answer in German, but again it may be terrible.

Ein "pledge" ist ein "pledge" fuer zwei tage zu acht monaten. Keine typisch zeit. Die "pledges" haben Geschichte gelernen. Die "pledge" ist die Studenten uber die fraternity. In alles weg des fraternity. Party oder Geschichte, viele dinge zu lernen.

Ich habe nicht "common ritual" verstehen, aber viele fraternity ritual kommt aus Masonic ritual, Ich denke.

Fuer fraternity einheit, es ist nicht einfach. Einheit fuer pledges ist sehr wichtig. Wir macht einheit mit "hazing" und "nicht-hazing" fuer pledges. Leben in die haus macht einheit fuer die ganze fraternity. Vielleicht fraternities habt ein nur brudder nacht, wann es ist nur brudders in der fraternity und nicht "auslander." (Es war am besten wort, ich habe keine ahnung ein andere wort.)

Wow, my German isn't as rusty as I thought it would be!

/hijack

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Zillini

Wow, my German isn't as rusty as I thought it would be!

/hijack

Same here. Ich bin überrascht.

[Elephant Walk]

Haha, I mean, I'm pretty sure I used the simplest German possible.

Thanks,

we have houses too, our pledges don't wear all colors of our fraternity, but only to.

White fraternities generally do not wear the colors of the fraternity (consciously, I suppose), but black fraternities have more of a tendency to.

they stay pledge one term and have to do all the work, the other don't want to do. And they have to fence once, otherways they cannot leave their pledge status.

In many fraternities, they do most of the work, no one wants to do. It is to achieve unity (einheit). Cleaning the house, all that sort of thing. We don't have any fencing, but the pledges in many houses go through trials by fire of some sort, that they must complete.

How is the "alcohol" mentality in the greek fraternities? We have in germany the tradition to drink beer versus other fraternities and we also drink 2 liter glasses in in one way. It would be interesting to know how the way in greek fraternities is. Anyway I know, that the administration does not allow to consume alcohol under 21.

We don't compete against other fraternities, in general. Although a good beer pong game always might start some competition.

The administration (and government) does not allow alcohol under 21. That does not mean that no one drinks under the age of 21. Most fraternity members are under 21 (generally speaking) yet someone is always drinking. Even at 2 oclock in the afternoon.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by interested-one

OK,

it's just interesting to get to know how much common rituals fraternities have.

Was bedeutet "common rituals"? Ich habe nicht verstehen. Bedeuten sie ahnlichkeiten? Rituals bedeute ein sehr wichtig dinge in fraternities. Nicht so "common".

As to the wear of colors, I meant two of the usual three.

Und was ist die "usual three"?

What is about the acceptance of greek fraternities in the society? Here fraternities are hardly accepted.

Es ist wichtig wo ein mann ist. In die Sud, fraternities bist sehr wichtig und angenonommen. In die west und die nord-ost, nicht so angenommen oder wichtig.

And what do u mean with 'hazing'? I just don't get meaning of this.

Hazing ist sehr kompliziert. Es is die Anstrengung ein "pledge" macht zu passen ein "member" von die Fraternity. In viele fraternities, es ist sehr schlecht und schwer. Militaeranwendung ist allgemein. Verstehen sie? Es ist sehr kompliziert fuer ein auslaender zu verstehen. Mein Deutschen Lexikon sagt das Hazing in Deutsch ist : die Schleierbildung

[emb021]

Originally Posted by interested-one

Hello at all,

I'm just interested in Greek Fraternities especially in their traditions.

Some terminology. Be careful when saying 'greek fraternities'. Some may interpret that to mean 'fraternities of greeks'. We are 'greek letter fraternities', in that our names are greek letters. Except for a few that don't have greek letters.

Traditions are harder. Some are unique to particular fraternities. Some are common to certain type of fraternities (social, professional, honor, certain groups of socials, such as 'white', 'black', latino, mulitcultural), but may be done a certain way in a particular organization.

For instance, common traditions are the wearing of pins/insignia by pledges & brothers, the wearing of certain clothing (letter jackets, stich letter jerseys, letter shirts, etc) to show membership, etc. There are traditions that are usually only so in certain types of groups, such as step shows and the like for BGLO & LGLO (that's 'black greek letter organizations' and 'latino greek letter organizations'). The use of paddles (mostly as a memento of membership and the like).

I'm member of a german Fraternity and would be glad if i could get some information on that topics:

Pledges: how long, what role does a pledge have in a greek fraternity

As someone else noted, pledge periods will vary from a few days to several weeks to several months. It will depend on the particular fraternity and their policy.

In general, a pledge is a 'probationary member' or 'member in training'. (but note that becoming a full member of the fraternity is not a guarantee). So the purpose of the pledge program is training: in the history, traditions, and expectations of the chapter and fraternity, learning how to be a member of the organization, working with your fellow pledges and future fellow brothers.

How each fraternity treates its pledges will vary. Some are treated like 'second-class citizens', most are treated as what they are: probationary members with some limits on what they can do or be told, but who in most things should be fully involved in the org.

common rituals

As others noted, not sure what you're asking here. Each group has its own unique rituals. Most take some inspiration from earlier masonic or fraternal organization rituals. But there are certain common rituals:

* a pledge ceremony, which all pledges go thru to become an official pledge
* an initiation ceremony, which pledges go thru to become brothers

There may be other rituals of groups, but those are the 2 common ones.

type of forming a unity inside the fraternity: in germany we do academic fencing for example.

forming unity has changed over the years. In the past, the hazing of pledges was, unfortunately, how it was done. By and large, hazing is no longer seen as acceptable, and is in fact forbidden by most (if not all) national organizations (and usually against the law and school policies).

Some groups might form varsity sports teams and compete with others.
Step shows are big amoung certain groups.
Just engaging in social events and other group activities help, and groups can also engage in various team building activities. Most schools do have a 'greek week', where various GLOs will compete against one another.

Hope that helps.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by emb021

In general, a pledge is a 'probationary member' or 'member in training'. (but note that becoming a full member of the fraternity is not a guarantee). . . .

A little more clarity might be in order. Many fraternities and sororities no longer use the term "pledge." And, based on what I have learned here at GC, in many organizations, a pledge/probationary member/new member is pretty much guaranteed becoming an initiated member.

As others noted, not sure what you're asking here. Each group has its own unique rituals. Most take some inspiration from earlier masonic or fraternal organization rituals. But there are certain common rituals:

* a pledge ceremony, which all pledges go thru to become an official pledge
* an initiation ceremony, which pledges go thru to become brothers

There may be other rituals of groups, but those are the 2 common ones.

These are "common" in the sense that most organizations have a form of each. But the content, format, etc. between organizations can vary widely.

I just don't want the OP getting the idea that different fraternities or sororities will use basically the same ritual.

[emb021]

Originally Posted by interested-one

What is about the acceptance of greek fraternities in the society? Here fraternities are hardly accepted.

I think by and large they are accepted. If they weren't, they would be shutdown. Now, sadly, many Social GLOs have a bad impression to many people, and there are schools who do not welcome them, but the vast majority of schools have them. Note, its very hard for a fraternity to exist at a school without the schools permission.

And what do u mean with 'hazing'? I just don't get meaning of this.

Suggest you do some research on the concept.

Wikipedia gives this definition: "a ritualistic test and a task involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a gang, club, military organization or other group. The definition can refer to either physical (sometimes violent) or mental (possibly degrading) practices."

Note that hazing is NOT unique to fraternities. You see it in schools, school clubs of various sorts, gangs, and even in the military.

Too often people view ANY process of bringing someone into a group as 'hazing', when hazing really involves harassment, abuse, &/or humiliation. Hazing is NOT the process of bringing someone into the group. Its going overboard in bring them into the group, by subjecting them to harassment/abuse/humiliation. And this can be physical or mental.

Some examples of hazing include:

* making the pledge do a lot of meaningless tasks to 'prove' themselves worthy.
* quizing pleges and making them drink if they make a mistake
* paddling/branding
etc.

Watch most american movies that focus on fraternities, and you'll see examples.

As I noted, most fraternities forbid it, and usually have clear policies regarding hazing which explains it (most say about the same thing) and note certain specific practicies considered hazing.

One problem with hazing is that some try to claim additional practices as hazing that aren't. Going thru a pledge program is not, in and of itself hazing. BUT certain things that could go on during the pledge period may be hazing. Just as going thru military boot camp is not hazing, but there may be things that go one that are.

Hope that helps.

EDITED

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

A little more clarity might be in order. Many fraternities and sororities no longer use the term "pledge." And, based on what I have learned here at GC, in many organizations, a pledge/probationary member/new member is pretty much guaranteed becoming an initiated member.

That would tend to vary depending on individual organizations. I know multiple people who have been depleged from different organization.

[court4short]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

That would tend to vary depending on individual organizations. I know multiple people who have been depleged from different organization.

Co-sign. Maybe it's that way with sororities, but as for Fraternities (at least in mine and other ones I'm familiar with) even if you're given a bid, you have to earn the right to be initiated and show the Brothers that you are worthy of it.

[Elephant Walk]

Haha writing paragraphs for a guy with broken english seems genius.

His english isn't terrible, but still. It's easier to make it simple. Of course my German is at best broken, but I conveyed most of what you said in short sentences.

I'll translate what I said:

Was bedeutet "common rituals"? Ich habe nicht verstehen. Bedeuten sie ahnlichkeiten? Rituals bedeute ein sehr wichtig dinge in fraternities. Nicht so "common".
What does "common rituals" mean. I do not understand. Do you mean similarities? Rituals mean a very important thing in fraternities. Not so "common".


Quote:
As to the wear of colors, I meant two of the usual three.

Und was ist die "usual three"?
And what is the "usual three"


Quote:
What is about the acceptance of greek fraternities in the society? Here fraternities are hardly accepted.

Es ist wichtig wo ein mann ist. In die Sud, fraternities bist sehr wichtig und angenonommen. In die west und die nord-ost, nicht so angenommen oder wichtig.

It is important where a man is. In the South, fraternities are very important and accepted. In the west and the north-east, not so accepted or important.

Quote:
And what do u mean with 'hazing'? I just don't get meaning of this.

Hazing ist sehr kompliziert. Es is die Anstrengung ein "pledge" macht zu passen ein "member" von die Fraternity. In viele fraternities, es ist sehr schlecht und schwer. Militaeranwendung ist allgemein. Verstehen sie? Es ist sehr kompliziert fuer ein auslaender zu verstehen. Mein Deutschen Lexikon sagt das Hazing in Deutsch ist : die Schleierbildung

Hazing is very complicated. It is the labor (*or effort) a pledge must do to become a member of the fraternity. In many fraternities, it is very bad and hard. Military exercises is common. Do you understand? It is very complicated for a foreigner to understand. My German Dictionary says that hazing in German is: die Schleierbildung.

Again, my German is bad.

[Elephant Walk]

*erdit nevermind

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

That would tend to vary depending on individual organizations. I know multiple people who have been depleged from different organization.

That was my point -- that it varies from organization to organization. That's why I was responding for the purpose of clarifying to the statement that pledging is not a guarantee of full membership. In many orgs it pretty much is. Thus, it tends to vary depending on the organization and a blanket statement probably doesn't fit.

Originally Posted by court4short

Co-sign. Maybe it's that way with sororities, but as for Fraternities (at least in mine and other ones I'm familiar with) even if you're given a bid, you have to earn the right to be initiated and show the Brothers that you are worthy of it.

It is different with sororities -- NPC sororities, at least -- based on the many discussions on the subject that have been had here on GC. Bottom line: as a general rule, fraternity chapters hold a second vote on a candidate prior to initiation and reserve the right to kick out or delay initiation of any pledge. NPC sororities, on the other hand, do not operate this way, and being a new member is pretty much a guarantee of being an initiated member. In other words, it varies from organization to organization, which is the idea I was trying to convey to the OP.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Bottom line: as a general rule, fraternity chapters hold a second vote on a candidate prior to initiation and reserve the right to kick out or delay initiation of any pledge.

We kicked out someone a week before initiation.