Coat of arms were originally family emblems. Cities, societies, and institutions adopted them. All college fraternities have them, but few have created their design with such faithful adherence to the laws of the ancient are of heraldry as has Lambda Chi Alpha. Each part of the Lambda Chi Alpha coat of arms has a special meaning, the details of which are explained during the Initiation Ritual. Many of the open meanings of the symbols on the coat of arms are explained during the Associate Membership Ceremony, and therefore, the coat of arms may be used and worn by all members, including associates. It may be used on jewelry and stationery, among other things. The crest of the coat of arms consists of the cross and crescent, the two primary symbols of Lambda Chi Alpha. The basic section of the shield is quartered and consists of a Greek lamp, a balance, a book, and clasped hands with three stars. Upon the shield is an inescutcheon, or small shield placed in the center of the shield. The inescutcheon was added to signify the union of Lambda Chi Alpha and Theta Kappa Nu; it contains the primary symbols of Theta Kappa Nu-the lion holding a white rose. Another unique feature of our coat of arms is the presence of the badge. A most appropriate design element, Lambda Chi Alpha is the only college fraternity to include its badge on the coat of arms. Mottos on early coats of arms were battle cries. Today, they serve to challenge all members of Lambda Chi Alpha. The Latin motto at the top, "Crescent in the Cross," applies very definitely to the crest design. The Greek motto on the collar surrounding the shield means "Naught Without Labor," or "What Is Worthwhile Is Difficult." The Latin motto on the bottom ribbon, taken from Theta Kappa Nu, means "Every Man a Man."
The badge is a pearl-set crescent with horns turned toward the left, enclosing a monogram of the Greek letters Lambda, Chi, and Alpha. The center of the crescent bears the Greek letters Delta and Pi in gold and black enamel. A variety of jewels may be selected for the Lambda. Probably no fraternity badge has deeper meaning than that of Lambda Chi Alpha. The pearls, the Greek letters, and the crescent have their symbolism, but each line of the crescent and the relationship of the emblems to each other still add greater significance. The badge should never be used as mere decoration, i.e., on stationery, programs, or publications. It is evidence of membership for an individual and should be used only for that purpose. The badge is worn over the heart by initiated members in good standing on the outermost layer of clothing that is not normally removed, i.e., pullover sweater, vest, or shirt. It is worn only on a collared shirt. It is not worn on a jacket of any type. The badge may be worn in similar fashion, usually in miniature or medium size, by a fiancé, wife, mother, or sister of a member in good standing. The badge guard normally is the Greek letter(s) designating the member's chapter of initiation. Without exception, the guard is worn by all members so that it is clearly below the Delta Pi on the badge.
The associate member pin has a most interesting history because it embodies the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu as well as the original new member pin of Lambda Chi Alpha. The original Lambda Chi Alpha pin was a Gothic arch, and with the union, this was superimposed up the triangles composing the official badge of Theta Kappa Nu. The Associate Member Ceremony is a condensed version of the pledge and initiation degrees of Theta Kappa Nu. Today, the symbolism of Theta Kappa Nu remains in the form of the associate member pin. The associate member pin is worn by associate members in the same fasion that the badge is worn by initiated members. A chapter may require associate members to wear the emblem only on occasions at which all initiated member are required to wear the badge. The pin is given the same respect by the wearer as the badge of Lambda Chi Alpha; it is worn only on a collared shirt, vest, or pull-over sweater.
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The seal is used to identify official General Fraternity documents and publications. It should not be used for decoration, as an ornament for jewelry, stationary, etc., unless it is to be used as the official stationery of the General Fraternity. It is now properly used on charters, membership certificates, and authorized publications of the General Fraternity. The seal is in the Fraternity colors and bears the Greek inscription: "Seal of the Brotherhood of Lambda Chi Alpha."
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The Lambda Chi Alpha flag may be flown on appropriate occasions or placed on a wall. Chapters may place their Zeta letters in the upper right corner to identify their flags. In such cases, the letters should be one-eight the height of the flag.
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Unlike many fraternity recognition buttons, that of Lambda Chi Alpha is neither a miniature coat of arms nor a display of the cutout letters. It is a special design showing the cross and crescent combined. It is worn only on the left lapel of a suit jacket or sports jacket. Its original purpose was to permit members unknown to each other to recognize the common bond when the badge was not worn or was obscured by the jacket without "boasting to the world" of one's fraternal ties.
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The Fraternity flower is the white rose.
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The Fraternity Colors are purple, green, and gold.
The Greek initials and English words of Lambda Chi Alpha may be used on a variety of clothing and a multitude of other items. As with the Fraternity's other emblems. Lambda Chi Alpha should never appear in a way that would be offensive or degrading. Associate members are permitted and encouraged to wear the Fraternity's initials and name on clothing.
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