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TKE
Coat-of-Arms
Gules
on a bend argent, five equilateral triangles,
bendwise, of the first, voided. Crest- above
a peers helmet, a death's head, three quarters
profile, proper. Mantling- gules, double argent.
Motto- pi alpha omega epsilon alpha.
The TKE Coat-of-Arms consists of a shield of
a Norman form, upon which is a bend with five
equilateral triangles, surmounting a scroll
bearing the initial letters of the secret motto
in Greek, and surmounted by a skull, or death's
head, three-quarters profile. This assemblage
is done on the official colors, cherry and gray,
properly mantled. Its connotation, or meaning,
is also revealed by the initiation ritual. The
Coat-of-Arms may be used only by official members
of the Fraternity on stationary, jewelry, and
other personal effects. It is used by the Fraternity
upon its official stationary, membership certificates,
and other documents. Distinctive and beautiful,
the TKE Coat-of-Arms is vastly unique to that
employed by any other Fraternity. Modified slightly
several times during the early years of Tau
Kappa Epsilon, the present Coat-of-Arms, adopted
in 1926, was designed by Dr. Carlton B. Pierce
and Ms. Emily Butterfield.
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The
Flower
 The
official flower of the Fraternity is the red
carnation. From the red carnation is derived
the color for our Coat-of-Arms, flag, banner,
and many other symbols. The official flower
is worn during initiations and at TKE banquets.
It is also represented by the Red Carnation
Ball, a banquet and dance celebrated by most
TKE chapters each year.
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The
Colors
The
official colors of Tau Kappa Epsilon are cherry
and grey. These colors are displayed in the official
flower, the red carnation, and in the official
jewel of the Fraternity, the pearl. |
TKE's
Greek Patron Apollo
The mythological
ideal or patron of Tau Kappa Epsilon is Apollo,
one of the most important of Olympian divinities.
The Grecian god of music and culture, of light
and the ideals toward which all Tekes must constantly
be striving. Typifying the finest development
of manhood, the selection of Apollo is most appropriate. |
The
TKE Badge
The official membership
badge, made either white or Roman gold and adorned
with three white pearls is by far the most important
item of the TKE insignia in general use. Only
this badge may be worn by undergraduate member.
Jeweled badges, crowns set with pearls, diamonds,
rubies or emeralds, according} to choice, may
be worn by alumni members. Frequently the standard
membership badge is used as a token of engagement.
Miniature badges are also available for mothers,
sisters or for engagement purposes. The TKE 'badge
of gold', unique in its design and distinctiveness,
has never been changed since its adoption. The
meaning and connotations of the badge are revealed
to members during initiation |
The
Equilateral Triangle
The primary symbol
of the Fraternity is the equilateral triangle.
It appears proudly upon the Fraternity's badge,
upon it's Coat-of-Arms, and upon the Fraternity
flag. Equal-sided, representing the striving toward
a full and equal development of mind, body, and
heart, it means much within ranks of our Fraternity.
It serves as a reminder, too, of the early days
of the Fraternity and the traditions established
by it's founders, since the first three chapters
of Tau Kappa Epsilon, which the foundations for
its growth formed an equilateral triangle in their
geographical relationship. |
The
TKE Flag
The present design
of the TKE flag, as adopted at the 1961 Conclave,
features five voided triangles, in cherry red,
on a grey bend surmounting a red field. Due to
it's patterning after the shield of the Fraternity
Coat-of-Arms, the flag is readily associated with
Tau Kappa Epsilon. Individual chapters may also
purchase and use pennants and wall banners of
various designs. These usually employ the name
or Greek letters of the Fraternity and chapter,
and may incorporate the basic TKE insignia. TKE
insignia must be purchased from the Offices of
the Grand Chapter. |
The
Horse Shoe
A symbol of faith,
friendship, and good fortune within the fraternity
is the horseshoe. It's fascinating story dates
back to 1921 when a group of men from a local
fraternity at Ohio State University left for the
TKE Conclave in Madison, Wisconsin, to petition
for a charter. As they left, one of the them picked
up a cast-off horseshoe, old and rusty, bent and
full of nails, as good luck token. They carried
it along with them to the Conclave and when their
petition was granted, the horseshoe was elevated
to a position of importance. A horseshoe is presented
to each chapter at the time of installation. |
Founder's
Day
On the cold night
of January 10, 1899, students of Illinois Wesleyan
University in the small midwestern town of Bloomington
had just returned from the Christmas holidays
when Joseph L. Settles went to the room occupied
by James C. McNutt and Clarence A. Mayer at 504
East Locust Street to propound organization of
a new society on campus. Joined immediately by
Owen I. Truitt and Roy C. Atkinson, these five
men then drew up the first set of regulations
for the Knight of Classic Lore, a society whose
avowed purpose was "to aid college men in mental,
moral, and social development." This organization
would eventually become Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity,
and has grown into the world 's largest social
Fraternity.
On or near January
10th of each year, undergraduate and alumni chapters
of the Fraternity celebrate the founding of Tau
Kappa Epsilon and honor the Five Founders. There
is usually a traditional banquet on this day.
Fraters take the time to remember the vision of
the Founders, and to reflect upon the commitments
they made to one another. |
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