Symbols & Insignia

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
Violets were loved by all Sigma Kappas from the beginning. The delicate flowers grew wild along the banks of the Messalonskee River where the founders sat and dreamed of Sigma Kappa. In June 1892,the violet was adopted as our national flower. The flower was thought to belong to the days of promise, as is Sigma Kappa.

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.

Order of the Triangle 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.