History and Significance of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Shawl

The History and Significance of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Shawl

The women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated proudly wear shawls as part of their sorority paraphernalia. These shawls hold great meaning and represent the sisterhood, service, and legacy of this historically Black Greek-lettered organization.

The Origins of the Zeta Shawl

Zeta Phi Beta was founded on January 16, 1920 at Howard University in Washington D.C. The organization's founders were five collegiate women known as the Five Pearls. These trailblazing women dared to chart a new course when they founded Zeta as the first sorority to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma.

From the very beginning, Zeta's founders envisioned an organization that would encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement and foster a greater sense of unity among college women. The sorority's principles of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood continue to guide its members today.

The distinctive blue and white colors of Zeta Phi Beta represent refinement and emblemize the organization's ideals of sisterhood and community service. The sorority's blue and white shawls and scarves allow members to proudly display their colors and represent their Zeta heritage.

The Significance of Wearing the Shawl

For members of Zeta Phi Beta, wearing the sorority shawl or scarf is an outward symbol of their commitment to upholding the organization's values and traditions. It allows sisters to identify each other and celebrates their shared membership and sisterhood.

Zeta shawls are often worn during sorority events, meetings, conferences, community service activities, fellowships, and campus life. Members may choose to accessorize their business suits, dress outfits, or casual wear with a Zeta shawl or scarf.

In addition to their practical function, Zeta shawls hold deeper meaning for members. The shawl represents a sister's lifelong commitment to the sorority. It reminds her to live out Zeta's ideals and values in her everyday life.

Shawl Traditions, Customs & Etiquette

There are certain traditions and etiquette rules surrounding the wearing of the Zeta shawl. Proper display and care for the shawl demonstrates pride in Zeta Phi Beta.

Some important customs include:

• Folding or draping the shawl neatly when not in use
• Refraining from wrapping the shawl around the neck or using it as a headwrap
• Keeping the shawl clean and Away from situations that could damage it
• Wearing the shawl over the shoulders, not dragging on the ground

The way a member cares for and respectfully displays her shawl reflects her sense of dignity and devotion to the sisterhood. Shawls may be passed down as cherished heirlooms from elder sorors to new initiates.

Zeta Shawls for Sorority Pride

For nearly a century, the women of Zeta Phi Beta have proudly worn their sorority's signature blue and white shawls. These shawls hold deep meaning, representing sisterhood, service, scholarship and a lifelong commitment to Zeta's ideals.

Zeta shawls allow members to display their pride in the organization, connect with their sisters, and celebrate their shared history. The shawl is a visible emblem of a Zeta woman's dedication to finer womanhood.

FAQs

What are the traditional colors of the Zeta Phi Beta shawl?

The traditional colors are royal blue and pure white. These colors represent the sorority's ideals of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood.

When should a Zeta Phi Beta member wear her shawl?

Shawls may be worn to formal sorority events, meetings, conferences, community service activities, fellowships, campus life, and other occasions. They are a visible symbol of a woman's membership.

How should a member care for and display her shawl?

Proper shawl etiquette includes folding it neatly when not worn, keeping it clean, wearing it draped over the shoulders, and refraining from wrapping it around the neck or head.

What is the significance of passing down a shawl?

Passing down shawls from elder to new members represents the legacy of sisterhood. It allows women to share cherished Zeta memories across generations.

Can non-members wear Zeta Phi Beta shawls?

Traditionally, only initiated members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. wear the organization's shawls. They have special meaning and represent a lifelong commitment to Zeta's ideals.