The first sorority began at Wesleyan Female College in the mid 1800s as a secret society for women. It was known as the Adelphean Society. A few years later another society was created on the same campus and a rivalry began. These were not called sororities at the time, but they would evolve into this name later. In fact, it was considered a fraternity before a sorority but the word “fraternity” did not fit with an all female organization and that is how the word sorority came about. The first Greek sorority was named Pi Beta Phi in 1867.
Then in the 1870s the idea of rushing became popular. However, the original rushing was significantly different than today’s rushing. Then, fraternity representatives ran to the train station to see the new men visiting the college and those who looked right for their fraternity were pinned with ribbons matching the fraternity’s color. Other fraternities could not pin them after they had already been pinned. In 1872 Kappa Alpha Theta was founded and it is believed to be the first official sorority for women although Gamma Phi Beta was named a “sorority” in 1882. A Greek adviser came up with the word sorority because it was more fitting for women.
And, that’s how sororities got started. They still exist today and there are many houses on every college campus across the nation. It’s very popular for young women to rush certain houses and even more popular for daughters of previous sorority members to rush the same house. These members are considered legacies and will be admitted regardless despite having to go through the humility of rush. Today, rush is kind of like a game of truth or dare. Pledges have to do all kinds of different things in order to be accepted into the sorority as well as practically be a slave to the older sisters. But, once a member the pledges are fully fledged sisters and part of the sorority. At this point they may wear their Greek clothing that is so popular. In fact, there is sorority clothing made specifically for sororities. And, there is fraternity clothing designed specifically for the fraternities.
Sororities and fraternities are very popular today on college campuses because they allow new students a place to belong. Sisters and brothers are very close and the houses hold functions, have parties, and involve themselves in volunteer and charitable activities.
Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. At this point they may wear their Greek clothing that is so popular. In fact, there is sorority clothing made specifically for sororities. And, there is fraternity clothing designed specifically for the fraternities.
Tags: Greek Sorority, History
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