Shield Information Flashcards

The Lamp

• Symbolizes knowledge and scholarship, representing wisdom.
• Positioned on the left lapel, base parallel to the ground to prevent oil spillage.
• Burns a red flame, signifying the purification of impurities.
• Illuminates endeavors in dark places through Omega's mystical light.

The Mailed Glove

• Represents fraternity and comradeship, containing symbolism of unity.
• Features three circles symbolizing Light, Life, and Love.
• Contains the first minutes from the inaugural meeting, written in blood.
• The right-handed glove faces left, highlighting mutual support among brothers.
• Positioned over a silk ribbon that protects the unity from hot oils.

The Star

• Represents high aspirations and perseverance, with the motto "Ad Astra per Aspera."
• Consists of five points, symbolizing D.F.O.E.C from The Ritual.
• Connected to the Celestial Wagon, which honors deceased brothers by conveying important information.
• Positioned above the star in reference to the Epitome of Perseverance (Supreme Basileus).

The Helmet

• Faces left with a closed visor, filtering out inconsistent ideals of Omega.
• Historical shift in 1941 when Ernest E. Just entered Omega Chapter; the visor became closed.
• Opened during ceremonial occasions: Initiation Ceremony, a brother's entry into Omega, and Memorial Day (March 12).

The Wreath of Laurel

• Symbolizes excellence with 298 leaves.
• Colored Kelly Green, adorned with two imperfect leaves at positions 3 and 9, symbolizing imperfection in brotherhood.
• Wrapped with a silk ribbon representing the Bond of Unity among brothers.
• Bonds the Living and Dead, undergraduates and graduates, as well as Honorary and Initiated members.

The Pearls

• Represents sacred words: Friendship and Fraternity, totaling 20 pearls (4 real pearls, 16 precious stones).
• The four real pearls symbolize the four founders and should remain undisclosed by brothers.
• Positioned in each corner, the pearls read from left to right.

The Pearls Riddle

• Expresses core values: Friendship, Aspiration, Truth, Nobility, and Intelligence.
• Emphasizes the importance of Fraternity and the necessity for perseverance through scholarship and duty.

The Escutcheon

• Features five symbols pointing left: Helmet, Sword, Lamp, Star, and Mailed Glove.
• Direction signifies Omega's founding in the East and its continuous expansion westward.

The Swords

• Crossed to form an X, symbolizing the test of endurance.
• Represents protection and bravery associated with communal ties.
• Unsheathed swords situated behind the shield, symbolizing valor.

The Greek Letters

• Omega Psi Phi translates to "Friendship is essential to the soul."
• Pronounced "Ophelema Philia Psukis," with notable stories between each letter.
• Includes narratives of Jonathan and David, Dameion and Phythius, and Burroughs the slave, highlighting foundational bonds of brotherhood.