Official Symbols of Pi Beta Phi
Greek Letters
The Greek letters "Pi Beta Phi" are worn only by initiated member of Pi Beta Phi. the Greek motto Pi Beta Phi replaced I.C. Sorosis at the convention in 1882
The Crest
The crest or coat-of-arms is a lozenge on which is blazoned the Brownlee family crest. An eagle is displayed in the middle, on top of which is the seal of Monmouth college (where Pi Phi was founded). The blazing sun with the Latin word LUX in the center, is on the eagle's chest. In the eagle's right talon is the monogram IC, the left talon holds the arrow of Pi Beta Phi. The lozenge signifies that the arms ae that of a women's organization; the eagle, by holding the IC in one talon and Pi Beta Phi arrow in the other signifies the absolute identity between I.C. Sorosis and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. Te coat-of-arms was adopted as the official fraternity crest as the 1912 convention.
The Badge
The badge of I.C. Sorosis was decided upon by the Founders in 1867, and consisted of a golden arrow with the letters IC on its wings. When the name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the Greek letters replaced the IC on the wings. In 1934, at the Yellowstone National Park Convention, the Convention voted that there should be just twelve links in the chain of the badge-one for each Founder. Upon initiation, a member is given a gold-filled arrow badge. If she wishes, she may order a jeweled badge through Central Office at nominal cost. The golden arrow badge is to be worn only by initiated members of Pi Beta Phi and is worn over the heart.
The Carnation
Adopted at the 1890 Convention, the wine carnation is now our official flower. At the convention it was said, "The roots of the flower are the Founders, for from them the whole plant grew, ...the stem represents the Grand Council. It gives to us what was received from the roots. It gives us height and strength... the leaves of our flower are the alumnae. They stand nearest the stem and assist it in its work. They are in communication with the world and breathe in for us the best of the world's ideals... the petals are red for the girls are loyal. As it is the rich, wine color which makes the flower attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members which makes Pi Beta Phi beautiful in the eyes of everyone... The pistil is the spirit and the stamens are ideals of Pi Beta Phi. The petals stand closely united around these to defend and protect them."
The Pledge Pin
The pledge pin is an arrowhead of Roman gold mounted with the Greek letter B (Beta) in burnished gold.
The Angel
Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and that skits depicting Pi Phis as angels were often used in rush. Angel collections are popular among many Pi Phis. The Founders did not choose the angel as a fraternity symbol; however, it is a worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi.
Colors and Motto
The colors of the Fraternity, wine and silver blue, and the first Greek Motto, Pi Beta Phi, were adopted at the convention in 1882.