Zeta Tau Alpha - Symbols

Symbols of Zeta Tau Alpha

The Creed	During the past century, nearly everything in the world has changed in some degree. Yet, some things stay the same. This page shows some of the ideals and symbols of Zeta Tau Alpha which have remained true while members have varied from flapper girls to bobby-soxers to corporate executives.

The Coat of Arms	The ZTA crest has a heraldic design enveloped with beauty, courage and high ideals. It is artistic in its simplicity, distinctive to the fraternity world and correct according to the rules governing heraldry. The detailed symbolism of the coat of arms is safely hidden away in the hearts and minds of all ZTA's. Five versions of the crest were developed before the present day coat of arms was selected in 1926. Changes were made because the previous versions of the ZTA coat of arms did not satisfactorily represent the ideals of Zeta Tau Alpha or did not properly meet the rules governing heraldry.

The Coat of Arms

The ZTA crest has a heraldic design enveloped with beauty, courage and high ideals. It is artistic in its simplicity, distinctive to the fraternity world and correct according to the rules governing heraldry. The detailed symbolism of the coat of arms is safely hidden away in the hearts and minds of all ZTA's. Five versions of the crest were developed before the present day coat of arms was selected in 1926. Changes were made because the previous versions of the ZTA coat of arms did not satisfactorily represent the ideals of Zeta Tau Alpha or did not properly meet the rules governing heraldry.

The Pledge Pin	Since 1912, ZTA pledgeship has been signified by the turquoise and silver carpenter's square, on of the most unusual and distinctive pledge pins in the fraternity world. The square first appeared as the pledge pin at the 1910 Convention. The voting delegation accepted the square made in gold and faced with turquoise blue enamel. Prior to this time, no designs were used consistently. The 1912 Convention voted to change the pin's gold to silver, and the 1928 Convention adopted a recommendation which specified a smaller pledge pin, with each arm reduced to 7/16". The size became regulation and has remained unchanged since that time. Today, it is still the honor and privilege of each ZTA pledge to wear the turquoise and silver carpenter's square, as she begins her lifetime association.

The Pledge Pin

Since 1912, ZTA pledgeship has been signified by the turquoise and silver carpenter's square, on of the most unusual and distinctive pledge pins in the fraternity world. The square first appeared as the pledge pin at the 1910 Convention. The voting delegation accepted the square made in gold and faced with turquoise blue enamel. Prior to this time, no designs were used consistently.

The 1912 Convention voted to change the pin's gold to silver, and the 1928 Convention adopted a recommendation which specified a smaller pledge pin, with each arm reduced to 7/16". The size became regulation and has remained unchanged since that time. Today, it is still the honor and privilege of each ZTA pledge to wear the turquoise and silver carpenter's square, as she begins her lifetime association.

The Badge	Anticipation and excitement builds for each ZTA new member as she completes her pledgeship, and the badge of the Fraternity is placed above her heart. The basic design was suggested by Mebane Smith (brother of Frances Yancey Smith) and selected by Founders Maud Jones Horner, Frances Yancey Smith, and Mary Campbell Jones Batte. The badge has remained unchanged except for a few variations in detail. In the early years, each initiate chose the size of her badge. The 1912 Convention adopted a regulation size in order to protect the true form of the badge. The size has not been altered since then. The badge has always been exclusively emblematic. It is never to be used in a utilitarian way or for decorative purposes. This distinctive ruling is characteristic of ZTA, based on the wish to hold the badge sacred as a symbol, not only for membership, but of reverence for ZTA ideals and vows. The badge is worn over the heart, and no badge is to be placed above or attached to it. No one but initiated members shall wear the badge of ZTA.

The Badge

Anticipation and excitement builds for each ZTA new member as she completes her pledgeship, and the badge of the Fraternity is placed above her heart. The basic design was suggested by Mebane Smith (brother of Frances Yancey Smith) and selected by Founders Maud Jones Horner, Frances Yancey Smith, and Mary Campbell Jones Batte. The badge has remained unchanged except for a few variations in detail.

In the early years, each initiate chose the size of her badge. The 1912 Convention adopted a regulation size in order to protect the true form of the badge. The size has not been altered since then. The badge has always been exclusively emblematic. It is never to be used in a utilitarian way or for decorative purposes. This distinctive ruling is characteristic of ZTA, based on the wish to hold the badge sacred as a symbol, not only for membership, but of reverence for ZTA ideals and vows.

The badge is worn over the heart, and no badge is to be placed above or attached to it. No one but initiated members shall wear the badge of ZTA.

Taken from the Spring 1993 issue of Themis.