The symbols and insignia of Sigma Kappa are outward
signs of the special feeling we have for each other that comes from within
ourselves. As a member of Sigma Kappa you are obligated to uphold her high
standards and ideals, remembering that Sigma Kappas all over the country are
bound by the same tenets.
Colors
Louise Helen Coburn's early reminiscences give us her memory of white as the
color favored in the early days of Sigma Kappa. She said that lavender and
maroon, as our colors, occur in the minutes of June 1891. They were being used
then and apparently had been approved earlier. A note in the minutes of 1904
speaks of a committee appointed to "write down the true significance"
of our colors which is revealed in the ceremony of initiation.
Flower
Wild purple violets were loved by all Sigma Kappas from the beginning. The
delicate flowers grew wild along the banks of the
Official Jewel
The pearl is the official jewel of Sigma Kappa and was adopted at the Sigma
Kappa Convention in 1915. The pearl is recognized as a symbol of purity and gracious
character.
Symbols
The dove was accepted as an official symbol of Sigma Kappa at the 1984
convention and the heart was adopted at the 1988 convention. Both symbols
signify the love felt by members across the country.
Open
Motto
“one heart, one way”
Badge
The earliest badge
design was what is now used as our new member pin. On March 7, 1894, the
triangle badge was chosen with "unjeweled maroon enamel, if
possible." Jeweled badges were approved at the 1915 convention when the
pearl was adopted as our national jewel. Unjeweled badges have a scroll edge. The badge is worn over the
heart proudly by members of Sigma Kappa to indicate membership.
New Member Pin
The new member pin is a gold Greek letter S shaped like a serpent intertwined
through a K. In 1920 this design was officially adopted as our new member pin.
The new member pin is also worn over the heart by new members of Sigma Kappa.
Once initiated, the pin is surrendered to the chapter for their new badge.
Pin
The alumna pin was
adopted in 1978. It is a small triangle pin of maroon enamel with SK etched in
gold. It is worn as a lapel pin by alumnae who have participated in the Order
of the Triangle ceremony.
Seal
The seal of Sigma
Kappa is used on all official papers, membership certificates and chapter
charters.
Coat-of-Arms
The official
coat-of-arms was adopted by Sigma Kappa in 1911. It reflects the familiar
symbols of the sorority - the dove, the violet, the Greek letters and maroon
and lavender.