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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. |
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Badge
The official membership badge, made of either white or
Roman gold and adorned with three white pearls, is by far the most
important item of TKE insignia in general use. Only this badge may be
worn by undergraduate members. Jeweled badges, crown 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. |
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Carnation
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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Coat-of-Arms
The TKE Coat-of-Arms consists of a shield of the
Norman form, upon which is a bend with five equilateral triangles,
surmounting a scroll bearing the initial letters of a secret motto in
Greek, and surmounted by a skull, or death's head, three-quarters
profile. This assemblage is done in 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 stationery, jewelry, and other
personal effects. It is used by the Fraternity upon its official
stationery, 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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Flag
The present design of the TKE flag, as adopted at
the 1961 Conclave, features five voided triangles, in cherry red, on a
gray 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. |
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Founders' Day
On or near January 10th of each year, undergraduate
and alumni chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon celebrate the founding of our
Fraternity and honor the five Founders. This day, known as Founders'
Day, is usually celebrated by a traditional banquet. At this
celebration, contributions are collected for the Founders' Student
Loan Fund, and the Grand Prytanis sends a subtle message to each
chapter to be read as part of the program. |
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Horseshoe
In April of 1921 members of the Fraternity at The
Ohio State University made their way to the Conclave in Madison,
Wisconsin. At the conclusion of the vote granting their charter as
Omicron Chapter, one of the members pulled from his pants pocket a
rusty horseshoe which the fraters had picked up along the way.
Believing that the horseshoe had granted the chapter good luck, the
tradition began to pass the horseshoe down to each chapter. The
original horseshoe was lost during World War II at the Alpha-Chi
Chapter, and was replaced with a new horseshoe to continue the
tradition. In mid-1995, the original horseshoe was discovered by Past
Grand Prytanis Rodney Williams among some artifacts belonging to
Alpha-Chi Chapter, which had been held for years by a charter member
of the chapter. At the 49th Biennial Conclave, the original TKE
horseshoe from Omicron Chapter was displayed, and the story behind its
loss explained. |
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Symbol and Colors
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 its founders, since the first three chapters
of Tau Kappa Epsilon, which supplied the foundations for its growth,
formed an equilateral triangle in their geographical relationship. The
official colors of Tau Kappa Epsilon are cherry and gray. |
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