Insignia and Publications
Todd Shelton | 6/19/2003 Symbols are a part of everyday life. They constitute a language within themselves. They reveal mystic significance; they are a figurative representation, a visible sign of something invisible.People are often viewed by the symbols that they wear or use, and an organization, which uses symbols, is measured by the people who display them. If the ideals and teachings of Kappa Alpha Order have a place in this world, it is because brothers take their obligations seriously and thus, add value to their new member pin or membership badge. Taken alone, no insignia can add value to a life unless one realizes its meaning and acts to further that meaning.
The Badges
The most meaningful and personal symbol of the Order is our badge. The badge owes its origin to founder James Ward Wood. Wood’s original design consisted of a single sheet of gold, shield-shaped and slightly convex. In the center was a circular disc in black enamel in the center of which was displayed a Latin cross in gold. Above this, outlined in black enamel, was a gold scroll or arch upon which appeared the letters “K.A.” in black enamel.
In Wood’s description of the badge, he indicates the intention to use the shield as the primary shape. “We have chosen this (the shield) because of its original use as a protection or a means of defense, and we hope that all our brethren may find that this badge and the men it identifies, will protect them from danger within and without,” wrote Wood. “The outer thread of enamel represents the outer world of darkness that totally surrounds us . . . and the golden cross. Why have we chosen it? Is it not symbolic of all that is just and good and great?”
The original design was changed to its present form by William W. Ammen, the son of Samuel Zenas Ammen. It was adopted as the official badge by the 24th Convention in 1907. The differences between the versions are marginal: the original badge was wider, the colors of the letters and background are now reversed and today’s badge has a Greek cross instead of a Latin cross.
Each member is issued an official badge when initiated. The badge is worn only by members and their wives. Other forms of the badge, such as pins and pendants in the shape of a small badge, may be worn by the mother, sister, wife, daughter or fiancee of a member.
The Order’s new member pin was adopted by the 21st Convention in 1901. This pin is slightly smaller than the official badge, but is of the same shape. The same scroll and letters are emblazoned on the pin, but a quartered circle with the official KA colors replaces the encircled cross. It is made of silver instead of gold.
Banners, Colors, and Flowers
Kappa Alpha has two flags which are displayed to show pride in our organization. These banners are known as the official and supplemental flags of the Order.
The official flag, adopted in 1893, is divided into three equal vertical bands of color: crimson, white and old gold (in that order, left to right). A crimson Greek cross is centered in the white band.
The supplemental flag, or chapter house flag, adopted by the 52nd Convention in 1967, is a field divided by the colors crimson and old gold with a white shield bearing a Greek cross and letters “KA” in crimson.
Either of these flags can be used to mark a gathering of brothers, whether at the chapter house or an official KA function.
In 1885, the delegates of the 13th Convention approved the official fraternity colors Š crimson and old gold and the Order’s official flowers Š the magnolia and the crimson rose. Kappa Alpha’s colors represent the blood (crimson) and treasure (old gold) spent by our forefathers in defense of our country.
The flowers, which first appeared as decoration on the Order’s active chapter charters in 1894, are used as decorations for formal chapter events and as gifts to ladies. The red rose symbolizes love, masculine might and moral and physical incorruptibility. The magnolia represents purity.
Coat of Arms
Probably the most visible and recognizable symbol that the Order uses is the coat of arms. In 1895, the Convention authorized then Knight Commander Ammen to arrange a coat of arms for Kappa Alpha’s use. A short time later, in 1896, Charles K. King, an alumnus from VMI, created a design that Ammen would use as a basis for the official coat of arms. King’s design consisted of a shield, much as it appears today, surrounded by two lions as supporters.
In 1897 Ammen’s design was adopted by the Convention and became the official coat of arms of Kappa Alpha Order.
Above the shield, Ammen placed a knight’s helmet, and on that, he rested the crown. From the top of the crown rises the Order’s crest, which was devised as the Knight Commanders’ seal in 1893. Our crest is an arm wielding a battle-ax, in the act of striking, which symbolizes authority. Beams of light and shadow, often called the sunburst, were added as a background.
Beneath the shield, Ammen placed our official flowers and a scroll emblazoned with our motto, that was derived from medieval knights, “Dieu et les Dames,” which translates “God and the ladies.” Most importantly, the coat of arms contains our badge.
The lions that are on either side of the badge are common symbols in heraldry and have different meanings, according to their posture. The lion on the left is “rampant,” meaning magnanimous. The lion on the right is “regardent,” which means circumspect or cautious.
Since 1897, there have been many disputes as to whether the coat of arms is true to heraldic rules. In fact, it is not. Consequently, there have been many different versions created that have certain parts, such as the crown, flowers or pearls removed, in order to make it conform to the rules of heraldry. However, none of these other versions has ever been adopted by the Convention as Kappa Alpha’s official coat of arms.
Publications
Just as with any organization, clear communication is key to survival and effective management. Since 1870, the Order has been publishing a variety of materials to make sure that the various segments of KA stay in touch and are knowledgeable. Over time, publications have been added while others have been eliminated as their need was dictated by the era. The following is a list of current publications:
- The Kappa Alpha Journal is KA’s premier publication. The alumni magazine is one of the oldest continually-published fraternity magazines in the country. The first issue of The Journal was printed in February 1879. Members receive the quarterly magazine upon initiation and continue to receive it free-of-charge for ten years, after which they may subscribe annually or join the Loyal Order to continue receiving it.
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Kappa Alpha Laws is the Order’s volume that contains Kappa Alpha’s Constitution, bylaws and regulations which govern active chapters, alumni, the Convention and officers.
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The Varlet is Kappa Alpha’s membership manual. This book is studied by members who are awaiting initiation. It contains information on all aspects of KA and the fraternity system.
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The Talisman is an educational publication for undergraduate chapters. It addresses issues facing the undergraduate fraternity members. Some issues which have been covered are scholarship, alcohol abuse, hazing and fiscal responsibility
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The Shield is KA’s risk management newsletter which is published two to four times a year. It provides alternative social programming ideas, educates members on risk management issues and creates a forum for the sharing of techniques and procedures by chapters to ensure safe social activities.
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The Endeavor is an educational publication for undergraduate Crusade chapters. It provides information and guidance for the advancement of the members and chapter.
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The Number I’s Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for chapter presidents. Its purpose is to pass informative, insightful and helpful information to the Number I of each chapter.
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The Project Outreach Newsletter highlights outstanding community service efforts in our active chapters. It is published once a semester and contains fund-raising and philanthropic ideas. \
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The Foundation is the newsletter of the Kappa Alpha Order Educational Foundation. It passes along information to donors that is useful in planning or providing gifts to the Order.
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The Alumni Advisory Committee Manual explains duties of the alumni advisory committee, discussion of its relationship with the chapter, a month by month checklist, information on the national organization, and suggested reference material.
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A Lifetime Experience is a manual for alumni chapters and provides information for the effective operation of these groups.
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The Special Messenger is the personal publication of the Knight Commander and is used to disseminate important information to officers and chapters.
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Songs of Kappa Alpha Order is a music CD that contains songs that have become Kappa Alpha traditions. |
