Comparison of American and German fraternities/sororities

[CutiePie2000]

My grandfather was actually in a Latvian "fraternity" (they're referred to as "Student Corporations" in Europe) called Ventonia.

When I was in Heidelberg, I got a tour of the German "fraternity house" of Burschenschaft Vineta.

[Kevin]

I hear they have fraternities and sororities in the Philippines.

[VictoriaGermany]

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

My grandfather was actually in a Latvian "fraternity" (they're referred to as "Student Corporations" in Europe) called Ventonia.

Yes, there are some German-model oriented fraternities in other countries, e.g. Latvia, Chile, Japan, England, France, Belgium...

Of course in Austria and Switzerland as well, as they do have the similar system than in Germany (the sorority system in Austria is much more developed, but most corporations are religious).

Originally Posted by CutiePie2000

When I was in Heidelberg, I got a tour of the German "fraternity house" of Burschenschaft Vineta.

Isn´t Heidelberg beautiful? I love that town. I went there last summer and stayed a few days in the house of Turnerschaft Ghibellinia directly below the castle. Very impressive!

By the way: Did you hear about the tradition of "Couleurbesuch"? In Germany, fraternities and sororities (and even the unisex corporations) do visit each other to have a beer together. It is also common to visit several different houses per evening, a so-called "Couleurbummel". You get your drink for free, because you will have visitors as well. Very nice tradition... especially at the end of the month....

[psprincess]

oh the naked guy at uc berkeley...im sure you can find an article about him on wikipedia.

[Gers!]

Hi, I'm from Latvian fraternity Gersicania. I can inform You that fraternity Ventonia where Your grandfather was - is till there. Ventonia is placed in city Jelgava.

[Max Kr!x]

Hey,
Do the Greek letters in the names of Fraternitys / Sororitys have any historical meaning or do they just sound good? Why do you have Greek names, I don't know any historical relationship between the US and Greece?

As already wrote in this threat most fraternitys in Germany are named after geographical areas and sororitys after godesses.

My fraternity is a small exception. We are named "Kristall" (crystal) to honor Professor Hermann Borchert who taught mineralogy when we were founded in 1949. Our full name is "Akademische Vereinigung Kristall zu Clausthal im Schwarzburgbund"

Thank you for your answers,

Max Kr!x

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Max Kr!x

Hey,
Do the Greek letters in the names of Fraternitys / Sororitys have any historical meaning or do they just sound good? Why do you have Greek names, I don't know any historical relationship between the US and Greece?

As already wrote in this threat most fraternitys in Germany are named after geographical areas and sororitys after godesses.

My fraternity is a small exception. We are named "Kristall" (crystal) to honor Professor Hermann Borchert who taught mineralogy when we were founded in 1949. Our full name is "Akademische Vereinigung Kristall zu Clausthal im Schwarzburgbund"

Thank you for your answers,

Max Kr!x

The Greek letters of our organizations have secret meanings. They are part of our rituals. In some cases they were chosen because they looked good together, but they still have very important meanings to the members that wear the letters.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Max Kr!x

Why do you have Greek names, I don't know any historical relationship between the US and Greece?

Because historically, a college education in the United States meant a classical education. All college students would have studied Greek and Latin and would have read classical works in those languages.

The original Greek Letter Society was Phi Beta Kappa, which is now an academic honorary society. Founded in 1776, it was originally a secret collegiate society. It chose as its name Societas Philosophiae, or the Philosophical Society. It chose as a secret motto Φιλοσοφία Βίου Κυβερνήτης ("philosophia biou kybernētēs"), variously translated as "Philosophy, the helmsman of life," "Love of learning, the helmsman of life," or (the official translation now) "Philosophy is the Guide of Life."

The insignia of the Society was (and is) a watch key, and the initials of the name (in overlapping script) and the motto are shown on the key:



It wasn't long before people began to refer to the Society by the initials of its motto: ΦΒΚ. That set a pattern that fraternities and sororities have followed ever since. Today, it is safe to say that the Greek letters that form the names of most GLOs represent either a secret motto, secret name or the like.