Board of Advisors | Symbols of TKE |
| Monday, 11 April 2005 | |
TKE Coat-of-Arms Gules on a bend argent, five equilateral triangles, bendwise, of the first, voided. Crest- above a peers helmet, a death's head, three quarters profile, proper. Mantling- gules, double argent. Motto- pi alpha omega epsilon aplha. The TKE Coat-of-Arms consists of a shield of a Norman form, upon which is a bend with five equilateral triangles, surmounting a scroll bearing the initial letters of the secret motto in Greek, and surrmounted by a skull, or death's head, three-quarters profile. This assemblage is done on the official colors, cherry and grey, properly mantled. Its connotation, or meaning, is also revealed by the initiation ritual. The Coat-of-Arms may be used only by official memebrs of the Fraternity on stationary, jewelry, and other personal effects. It is used by the Fraternity upon its official stationary, membership certificates, and other documents. Distictive and beautiful, the TKE Coat-of-Arms is vastly unique to that employed by any other Fraternity. Modified slightly several times during the early years of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the present Coat-of-Arms, adopted in 1926, was designed by Dr. Carlton B. Pierce and Ms. Emily Butterfield. The Flower TKE's Greek Patron Apollo
The mythological ideal or patron of Tau Kappa Epsilon is Apollo, one of the most important of Olympian divinities. The Grecian god of music and culture, of light and the ideals toward which all Tekes must constantly be striving. Typifying the finest development of manhood, the selection of Apollo is most appropriate. The TKE Badge
The official membership badge, made either white or Roman gold and adorned with three white pearls is by far the most important item of the TKE insignia in general use. Only this badge may be worn by undergraduate member. Jeweled badges, crowns set with pearls, diamonds, rubies or emeralds, according} to choice, may be worn by alumni members. Frequently the standard membership badge is used as a token of engagement. Minature badges are also available for mothers, sisters or for engagement purposes. The TKE 'badge of gold', unique in its design and distictiveness, has never been changed since its adoption. The meaning and connotations of the badge are revealed to members durning initionation. The Equilateral TriangleThe primary symbol of the Fraternity is the equalateral triangle. It appears proudly upon the Fraternity's badge, upon it's Coat-of-Arms, and upon the Fraternity flag. Equal-sided, representing the striving toward a full and equal development of mind, body, and heart, it means much within ranks of our Fraternity. It serves as a reminder, too, of the early days of the Fraternity and the traditions established by it's founders, since the first three chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, which the foundations for its growth formed an equalateral triangle in their geographical relationship. The TKE FlagThe present design of the TKE flag, as adopted at the 1961 Conclave, features five voided triangles, in cherry red, on a grey bend surmounting a red field. Due to it's patterning after the shield of the Fraternity Coat-of-Arms, the flag is readily associated with Tau Kappa Epsilon. Individual chapters may also purchase and use pennants and wall banners of various designs. These usually emply the name or Greek letters of the Fraternity and chapter, and may incorporate the basic TKE insignia. TKE insignia must be purchased from the Offices of the Grand Chapter. The Horse Shoe |
