Epsilon Sigma Alpha, International – is the full name of this organization. The word “sorority” is being eliminated as it has sometimes confused the definition of what kind of organization ESA is. Often we are confused with the college sorority, which is definitely an error, although we do now have ESA chapters on college campuses. However – we are NOT Pan-Hellenic or affiliated with any college fraternity. Today the organization is distancing itself from being called a sorority because of that confusion - but many chapters continue to use the term. We are an organization of (mainly women) who have a three-fold purpose: education, philanthropy, and social goals. I say mainly women because we are now accepting men into our organization. We have chapters that are composed of couples now being formed, many men on college campuses join ESA collegiate groups, and men in general can join ESA as regular members now. This has been in transition for the past 15 years.

Question 1: Epsilon Sigma Alpha International translated freely means?

Pursuit of Learning.

Lesson 1 covered the opening and closing rituals, which are actually a part of the honored traditions of our organization. ESA has several symbols that signify its traditions and values. Locate the honored symbols in your “Ideals” book.

The flower of ESA - Yellow jonquil: This flower was selected because of the love the ancient Greeks had for it. It was associated constantly as “Persephone’s flower.” Persephone’s was the daughter of the Greek Gods Zeus and Demeter.

Question #2: How is the Jonquil described in your “Ideals”?

The sorority colors: Blue and Gold:

Question #3: What does the Blue signify? ______

Question #4: What does the Gold signify? ______

The crest of ESA: This is a flat-topped shield enhanced above by a lamp and below by a streamer featuring the letters ESA. The shield is divided through the middle by a wide chevron (inverted v) containing six candles. The apex of the chevron is joined to the top of the shield by a bar dividing the upper half into two sections. In the upper right corner is a jonquil. The upper left corner features an open book, and in the lower part of the shield below the chevron appear the clasped hands of friendship.

Question #5: The six candles of the crest are symbolic of:

1.  ______

2.  ______

3.  ______

4.  ______

5.  ______

6.  ______

The ESA Pin

As a pledge you were or will be installed into ESA by a pledge ceremony where you receive the first half of your Sorority pin. - The Grecian lamp of Knowledge. The Lamp is a symbol of the goddess of Athene.

The jewel pin signifies full membership into ESA and is symbolic of the ideals of our organization. It is diamond in shape and very precious to those who wear it. The blue and gold colors of its flames are represented on the badge in our emblem the open book.

Question 6 - Pin questions:

1.  Who can wear the pin? ______

2.  Where is the pin worn? ______

3.  When is the pin worn? ______

What is the meaning of the Pearls on the Jewel Pin? – The jewel pin has 10 jewels surrounding the open book. Each pearl has a special significance to the wearer of the pin. These comprise the TEN WATCHWORDS OF PALLAS ATHENE.

These are the ten attributes, which every ESA member strives to achieve in her life.

Question 7: What does each Pearl stand for?

1.  The first pearl: ______

2.  The second pearl: ______

3.  The third pearl: ______

4.  The fourth pearl: ______

5.  The fifth pearl: ______

6.  The sixth pearl: ______

7.  The seventh pearl: ______

8.  The eighth pearl: ______

9.  The ninth pearl: ______

10.  The Tenth pearl: ______

The jewel pin comes to the member as a part of the initial dues. There is also a different pin that can be purchased which is called the “full-crown” pin. It has to be purchased and does not automatically come with your initial dues. It can be worn in place of the regular jewel pin. It costs more, is larger, and comes in 14 carrot gold. A sample of this pin can be found in the ESA Merchandise catalog.