Traditions
Singing Fraternity
Alpha Sigma Phi takes great pride in being known as a singing fraternity. Our collection of songs, many of them written over the years by Alpha Sig Brothers, is an impressive one. Brothers are encouraged to learn the songs and sing them at every opportunity. Some chapters have even formed quartets and special choral groups. Singing the Fraternity’s songs renews our tradition that dates back to the days of our Founding Fathers.
Black Lantern Processional
The Black Lantern Processional is one of the Fraternity’s oldest traditions that dates back to the Alpha Chapter in the mid 1860s. All Brothers wear black robes with hoods up and march in single file line, spaced approximately six feet apart. Each man carries a black Diogenes lantern with a single flame. The Processional is conducted in a very dignified manner and in strict silence with the pledges interspersed throughout the Processional.
Chapters often reenact the Black Lantern Processional on other appropriate occasions such as Founders’ Day, the anniversary of the chapters chartering, or as a memorial for those Brothers who have entered the Omega Chapter. Probably the longest continuous use of the Black Lantern is at the Marietta Chapter’s Processional following its annual Sig Bust. As used by Marietta, the Processional is enacted in memory of Brothers who have passed to the Omega Chapter, signifying that, although they are no longer present, their spirit remains forever in the minds of the Brothers.
Sig Bust
First held in Cincinnati in the 1880s to insure the rededication of Delta Chapter at Marietta College to the Old Gal, most chapters, today, hold a “Sig Bust” sometime during the year. Alumni Brothers return for a traditional dinner to renew fraternal ties and to meet the current undergraduate membership.
To honor the anniversary of our founding, close to our Founding date, December 6th, each year chapters hold a banquet or other observance of Founders’ Day. Some chapters have opted to call this event a Sig Bust. Alumni Brothers and special guests are invited to attend. It is an important time of rededication to the Fraternity and to the pursuit of its lofty goals and objectives.
Black & White
The oldest traditional dance held by Alpha Sig chapters is the Black and White – a formal occasion with decorations and formal dress in black and white. Nu Chapter at the University of California - Berkeley is credited with beginning the Black and White tradition.