|
|
Good Traditions
I’m sure many non-Greeks have seen some of the Greek community participate in some type of funky event, odd activity, or downright strange act of behavior. Most of them would not understand what we do or why. It is simply tradition. Traditions have been passed down within every Greek fraternity and sorority in history. It is an item that always has been and always will be within our culture. It can be practiced as an individual chapter as well as an entire Greek community as a whole. Keeping traditions alive is a critical factor in upholding our Greek identity and sustaining the beliefs of our founders. Many of you might think that I am referring to hazing. Greeks have a bad reputation of hazing the new members of their organization. The Greeks here at Purdue University have a great anti-hazing slogan and opinion that most of you have heard called “Don’t Haze Me Bro.” Pi Kappa Phi and myself do not believe in or condone the acts of hazing. Hazing is not recognized as a tradition in my chapter, and I am not referring to these types of negative activities in this article. The Greek community has been introduced to multiple traditions throughout the years. There are plenty of activities that a majority of Greek chapters partake in whether it is philanthropies such as ZTA’s Big Man On Campus & PUDM, fraternity and sorority rush, Indiana Greek Leadership Conference (IGLC), and even Greek week. All of these events are designed to bring us closer together, help us become better leaders, and raise money for a variety of charities. All of these events are important. No matter how big or small, every single activity the Greek community showcases can have a positive impact on Purdue and the community in general. Without these, Greek life here would be much different without a doubt. Now let's talk about traditions within our chapters. I’m sure many of you have been included in these during your time as a member. Individual fraternities and sororities both have customs that may include, but are not limited to the following: slapping the bag, pillow fights in your underwear (it's just what I heard, ladies), tailgating, hanging out on the roof, late-night fast food binges, Sunday night football, serenades or spring break. Fraternities and sororities manage to do a wide variety of wild and interesting things that represent their traditions. They are meant to be fun and allow for a great opportunity to become closer to your brothers and sisters. If you say your house doesn’t have any traditions, you are simply (but understandably) lying. These wacky activities have been around for a long time, if not throughout the entirety of your chapter’s existence. As we continue with our Greek experience, I am positive that more will come into practice. Whether it be a tradition that is only performed in your chapter or every house on campus is involved, traditions are mean to be kept alive so we can instill the view, beliefs and customs of the brothers and sisters before us.
|
