So, I have a question about the proper use of decoration for a Significant Other. The C&SC states in Code VI-18, "The Official Badge of the Fraternity shall be worn only by a fully initiated member in good standing or by his mother, sister, wife, or fiancée. This statute shall apply equally to all sizes of the Official Badge."
I also see the notation of Code VIII-4 which Lynn made reference to in another thread. However, I don't see the detail about "How to properly wear the badge" in the C&SC (perhaps I'm looking at an older C&SC edition).
In 1921, J. E. Mason wrote to B.H. McIntosh on the subject. He mentions:
- If a woman is wearing the badge, it is a sign that she's under the protection of LCA; thus, only fiancées should receive that honor.
- If a member only shows a "temporary fancy" for a woman, he can give her a
Friendship Pin as a "casual compliment."
- If a woman (then fiancée; now Mom, Sis, Fiancée, Wife) does receive a badge, it doesn't matter what size it is. That was a matter of taste, not a ruling.
So, my 2 questions arise in my attempt to understand proper display.
1) Significant Others (i.e. mothers, sisters, wives, or fiancées) doesn't legally include girlfriends or "chapter sweethearts." Do you personally have experience with them wearing the Official Badge? What about letters? Contemporary LCA lavalieres and stitched twill letters are oftentimes considered of great import to chapters in regards to respect for the wearer (some chapters even inappropriately deny use of them by associated members). Any thoughts on this proper or improper usage of the fraternity letters? I'm not trying to bring up copyright infringement issues; I just want to hear thoughts on women's use of the fraternity letters.
2) There is oftentimes mention of significant others wearing a smaller version of the badge. I know there are smaller versions at IHQ, and a rare glimpse of older ones on eBay, but what about current versions? Are there any smaller badges currently in production? Does our current jeweler provide these? Do you know of any women from the current college generation that have been given the honor of wearing the Official Badge? (As a side question, is a smaller version of the badge still considered an Official Badge?)
I threw in a few tangents there, but hopefully it can spark some thoughts that will help me better understand current proper/accepted usage of our letters and badges. Thanks guys.
Yours in Z A X ,
Chris Hall
S.O. wearing badge
Threaded Mode
