NPC sororities with calls?

[AOII_LB93]

Originally posted by wptw
Wow, this thread may already be too far gone, but it's a really interesting question so here's my attempt to rescue it...

First, there's a distinction to be made. There are calls that the D9 folks have been discussing - these are generally a fairly modern invention, public in nature (even if "proprietary" to the group), primarily for the purpose of promoting the group, and non-ritualistic. Then there are the calls, whistles, etc. that I think ariesrising was originally asking about. These are ritualisitc features; formal, secret, added to the written rituals of quite a few fraternities and sororites.

The ritualistic convention of using a call or whistle is primarily seen in Era I GLOs - those founded in the early and mid-1800s. (later fraternities and sororities undoubtedly copied them without really knowing the original purpose).

Remember that GLO membership (in fact, almost any form of student organization) was largely forbidden at a lot of colleges in this time period. If it became known that a person was a member of a GLO, there would certainly be some kind of faculty retribution and in fact that person would likely be expelled. So... Badges and letters and crests were not openly displayed. Badges were often worn inside a jacket lapel. Ritualistic meetings were held at some secret place. Codes were used to announce meetings and for any public correspondence. And the members necessarily developed whistles and calls and secret words as a way to identify themselves without arousing attention.

That's the history of calls, whistles, snaps, hand signs, etc. Later groups no doubt adopted these because they do add a bit of clandestine flair.

So, maybe Phi Mu did copy the DST yell. Maybe not. Who cares? Both groups took the original concept from an Era I fraternity anyway. There's nothing new under the sun.

Frankly, it is interesting though... the practice started as a way to secretly identify yourself, and today it has evolved into a way of proudly announcing or promoting yourself.

wptw

Thank you...someone who actually sticks to the point of the thread and doesn't get in everyone's face. As another AOII said earlier, AOII did have a call, and I've been trying to figure it out since I've been a collegiate/alum...so going on 10 years, and I still don't know it. I don't know of any AOIIs that know it, though I will have to go ask some of the little old ladies at the next Founder's Day...Maybe they might have some insight.