Zta
Alpha Upsilon
Zta
Alpha Upsilon
Zta
Alpha Upsilon
Zta
Alpha Upsilon
Zta
Alpha Upsilon
Alpha Upsilon
symbols and insignias
Zta
Alpha Upsilon
ZTA fraternity - Symbols and Insignia
The insignia of the Fraternity are symbols of great meaning. They are a heritage from the past, significant because of what Zeta Tau Alphas believe.
(listed alphabetically)
Badge:
The Badge of the Fraternity is a small, black, enameled shield super-imposed upon a gold shield, bearing a five-pointed crown with the letters ZTA arranged around it, and below it the word “Themis” in Greek.
BANNER:
The Banner of the Fraternity is rectangular and made of turquoise and gray satin. It bears the letter “A,” the word “Themis” in Greek, and a burning torch. The meaning of the banner is secret, but it may be hung in a place that is visible to anyone entering a chapter house, lodge, suite or chapter room.
Chain of Chapters:
A gold link inscribed “Alpha” begins Zeta Tau Alpha’s Chain of Chapters. Each time a new collegiate chapter is installed, a silver link, etched with the chapter’s Greek name, is added to the Chain. Alpha Upsilon is the 45th link.
Colors:
The colors of Zeta Tau Alpha are Turquoise Blue and Steel Gray. The significance of these colors is explained in the Initiation service.
Coat of Arms (Crest):
Only initiated members may wear or use the crest. The ritualistic meaning of the coat of arms is secret and is revealed to each member at the time of her initiation.
official logo:
Zeta Tau Alpha’s current logo was unveiled at Convention in 2014. This important piece of the ZTA brand makes the crown the prominent, identifying symbol of the Fraternity.
crown:
The significance of the crown’s five points is revealed to each member upon her Initiation. Members may use the crown from the official logo or the one found atop the ZTA Coat of Arms.
fraternity flag:
The official flag of the Fraternity was adopted at the 1950 Convention and is in the Fraternity colors with a Coat of Arms surrounded by the words “Zeta Tau Alpha.”
Chapter flag:
In honor of ZTA's centennial in 1998, a flag was produced to honor each chapter. The flags are gray and turquoise with the chapter name in Greek letters. A flag will be made for each successive chapter upon its Installation. The flags are housed at International Office.
Flower:
The flower of the Fraternity, chosen by founder Ruby Leigh Orgain, is the white violet. Its symbolic meaning is explained in the Initiation service.
Honor Ring:
Adopted at the 1915 Convention, it is silver with the Coat of Arms upon a turquoise stone, flanked by an open Bible and the crown. It is the highest individual honor granted by the Fraternity. Upon approval of National Council, alumnae may receive the Honor Ring for outstanding and sustained service to the Fraternity. Presentation of the Honor Ring is based upon a point system for service on the local and national level.
Mother's pin:
A turquoise and silver crown with a white violet embossed upon it, this pin may be presented to mothers of initiated members and to Zeta House Directors.
Official SEAL:
The official seal of the Fraternity is circular with fluted edges bearing the name of the Fraternity and the date and place of founding. It is used on official documents of the national Fraternity. Replicas of the official seal may be used for decorative purposes.
patron goddess:
The founders chose Themis to represent the Fraternity. In Greek mythology, Themis is one of the titans, daughter of Gaea (Earth) and Uranus (Heaven), and the mother of the three fates and the seasons. The goddess of divine justice and law, Themis was the constant companion of the god Zeus and sat beside him on Olympus. In ancient art, she is represented holding aloft a pair of scales on which she weighs the claims of opposing parties.
NEW MEMBER PIN:
This pin is a silver carpenter’s square enameled in turquoise, to be worn by all duly pledged new members of the fraternity.
the purple of the fraternity:
The purple of the Fraternity is the purple regalia, adorned with the torch and Coat of Arms, worn by the National President as a symbol of her office. It is worn at all official Zeta Tau Alpha functions such as convention business meetings and chapter Installations.
recognition pin:
New and initiated members may wear the gold “ZTA” recognition pin.
recognition pin:
Only initiated members may wear the gold crown recognition pin.
Strawberry:
A gift of strawberries inspired Mary Campbell Jones (Batte) and her group of eight friends to host their first social gathering and officially become a campus-recognized organization.
25-year pin:
To commemorate a quarter-century of membership, Zetas who have been initiated for 25 years may purchase this special piece of jewelry from the Fraternity’s authorized jeweler.
White Violet Pin:
Only those who have been members of the Fraternity for 50 or more years and thus are recipients of the order of the Shield may wear this pin, in the shape of the white violet. It may be worn as a recognition pin or as a guard to the badge.
White Violet Charm:
Those members who have been a member for 75 years receive this charm which is in the shape of the white violet with 75 superimposed upon it.
