What are sorority paddles?

Introduction. The sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing sisterhood and is given as a gift according to a local chapter's traditions. The history of the paddle, however, is rooted in violence and remains both a tool and symbol of hazing in Greek organizations.

What is the purpose of a fraternity paddle?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.

Do bigs give Littles paddles?

Sorority paddles are gifts in Greek Life that littles give their bigs or bigs give their littles as a sign of their bond and sisterhood within the sorority. Sometimes the paddle has a theme that links the sisters – something they have in common besides the sorority.

What size should a sorority paddle be?

Greek paddles can range in size from small key chains to 2 1/2 feet tall. In general, your paddle should be four times as long as it is wide. If your design is 4 inches wide, the paddle should be 16 inches long. The length includes the handle.

How long is a sorority paddle?

Fraternity Sorority Paddles 14 inch, Pack of 1 Unfinished Greek Wooden Paddle, Smooth Birch for Decorating and Painting, by Woodpeckers.

DIY Custom Made AKA Paddle | Step By Step

Do sororities still make paddles?

Although many sororities preclude the licensing of paddles with their letters, many local chapters continue the tradition of paddle-gifting by purchasing blank paddles and decorating them unofficially.

Does hazing still happen?

Indeed, hazing is not only banned by most colleges and universities but also violates laws in nearly every U.S. state, but these incidents continue to occur. A recent NBC News report noted that, from 2000 to 2021, at least 50 college students died from hazing incidents.

What is paddling and its importance?

1a : to propel by a paddle. b : to transport in a paddled craft paddled us to shore in his canoe. 2a : to beat or stir with or as if with a paddle (as in washing or dyeing) b : to punish by or as if by beating with a paddle. paddle.

Why do you make your big a paddle?

What are paddles for in sororities? Wooden paddles are decorative gifts that sorority littles give to their bigs at a special jersey-paddle swap ceremony. A paddle is a keepsake for the big, so wherever the big goes in life, she will always remember her little and the memories they have shared.

Do you paint the back of a sorority paddle?

Paint it. The first step in making your paddle is to paint it. You may be staining it, painting it, or decorating the paddle in some way, but this step should be done first. Painting is most common.

How thick is a Greek paddle?

These are the ideal dimensions: 22-3/4" inches Long, 5" inches Wide, 5/8" inches thick (22-3/4" × 5" × 5/8"). HIGH QUALITY AMERICAN PINE!

What do you put in a fraternity paddle?

Decorating ideas

Fraternity paddles are traditionally very plain. Whereas sororities will use bright colors, pictures and glitter to decorate theirs, fraternities only use the most basic supplies on their paddles. It is important to have the fraternity's Greek letters, your name and the recipient's name.

Why do sororities exist?

Fraternities and sororities were established to further the social, scholastic and professional interests of its members. They are mainly associated with colleges and universities.

What is fraternity hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate. There are three components that define hazing: It occurs in a group context. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior.

What are the 3 components of hazing?

The following are some examples of hazing divided into three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it provides some common examples of hazing traditions.

What is an elephant walk fraternity?

The email said Delta Chi fraternity participants simulated an “elephant walk,” which is described in the letter as “a form of known hazing in fraternities.” The hazing practice usually requires members to walk naked in a single-file line while holding the genitals of the person behind them.

How do I not get hazed?

Where did hazing come from?

Hazing has a deep history dating back to 387 B.C. with the founding of Plato's Academy. At the time, hazing was called “pennalism,” which meant “a system of mild oppression and torment practiced upon first-year students.” While Plato criticized the practice, it continued throughout the middle ages.

What is hazing in sororities and fraternities?

However, some engage in negative behaviors known as “hazing” – acts of humiliation or demeaning tasks meant to prove an individual's commitment and worthiness to join the fraternity or sorority. Hazing or mistreatment ranges in severity from silly pranks to violent and dangerous physical acts.

When did hazing start in black fraternities?

The first college hazing death incident occurred at Cornell University in 1873 to Mortimer N. Leggett, who was attempting to join Kappa Alpha Society.