Symbols and Traditions
Membership Badge
The official membership badge, made of either white or Roman gold and adorned with three white pearls, is by far the most important item of TKE insignia in general use. The badge, unique in its design and distinctiveness, has never been changed since its adoption.
The Coat of Arms
The TKE Coat of Arms consists of a shield of the Norman form, upon which is a bend with five equilateral triangles, surmounting a scroll bearing the initial letters of a secret motto in Greek, and surmounted by a skull. This assemblage is done in the official colors, cherry and gray, properly mantled. The Coat of Arms may be used only by official members of the Fraternity on stationery, jewelry, and other personal effects. Distinctive in form, the TKE Coat of Arms is 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 Emily Butterfield.
The Equilateral Triangle
The primary symbol of the Fraternity is the equilateral triangle. It appears profoundly upon the Fraternity's badge, Coad of Arms, and flag. Equal-sided representing the striving toward a full and equal development of mind, body, and heart, it means much within the ranks of our Fraternity. It also serves as a reminder of the early days of the Fraternity and of the traditions established by its Founders, being that the first three chapters of Tau Kappa Epsilon, which supplied the foundations for its growth, formed an equilateral triangle in their geographical relationship.
The TKE Flag
The presnt design of the TKE flag, as adopted at the 1961 Conclave, features five voided triangles, in cherry, on a gray bend surmounting a cherry field. Similar to the shield within the Coat of Arms, the flag is readily associated with Tau Kappa Epsilon.
Founders' Day
On or near January 10th of each year, undergraduate chapters and alumni associations of the Fraternity celebrate the founding of Tau Kappa Epsilon and honor the five Founders. This day, known as Founders' Day, is usually celebrated by a traditional banquet. For this celebration, the Grand Prytanis sends a message to each chapter to be read as a part of the program.
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.
Colors
The official colors of Tau Kappa Epsilon are cherry and gray.
Jewel
The official jewel of Tau Kappa Epsilon is the white pearl.
The Flower
The official flower of the Fraternity is the red carnation. From the red carnation is derived the color for our Coat of Arms, flag, banner, ritualistic robes, and many other symbols. The official flomwer is worn during initiation and at TKE banquets. Chapters usually host a Red Carnation Ball, which is a banquet and dance celebrated by most TKE chapters each year.
The Horseshoe
The horseshoe is a symbol of faith, friendship, and good fortune within the Fraternity. Its fascinating story dates back to 1921 when a group of men from a local fraternity at Ohio State University left for the TKE Conclave in Madison, Wisconsin, to petition for a charter. As they left, one of them picked up a cast-off horseshoe, old and rusty, bent and full of nails, as a good luck token. They carried it along with them to the Conclave and when their petition was granted, the horseshoe was elevated to a position of importance. A horseshoe is presented to each chapter at the time of installation.