Funniest/Strangest Rumor about your Chapter

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

^^ Ok, what's up with the goat thing?? I've heard a ridiculous number of people spread rumors that an organization does something with a goat at initiation. What exactly are these new members supposedly doing with said goat?

"Riding the goat" as an aspect of initiation into secret societies, and as a general euphemism for initiation itself, goes way back, originally being applied to Odd Fellows and Freemasons. A pretty good history of it can be found here.

From "riding the goat," it wasn't a long trip to goats have all kinds of parts to play in initiations.

ETA:

"Riding the Goat" by Cassius Coolidge (of "Dogs Playing Poker" fame):

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

"Riding the goat" as an aspect of initiation into secret societies, and as a general euphemism for initiation itself, goes way back, originally being applied to Odd Fellows and Freemasons. A pretty good history of it can be found here.

From "riding the goat," it wasn't a long trip to goats have all kinds of parts to play in initiations.

ETA:

"Riding the Goat" by Cassius Coolidge (of "Dogs Playing Poker" fame):

"Riding the goat". So that is what the kids are calling *it* these days.

And great picture!