Our Symbols

We, the Changing Women of Gamma Delta Pi, have selected an animal, jewel, plants, colors and a flower as symbols of our sorority. In the following sections, a description is given of the symbol and the important meaning behind it.

The Butterfly

The most important reason that Gamma Delta Pi selected the butterfly as it’s animal symbol is it’s relation to the four stages of growth. As a woman progressing through the rush and new member process, you will go through four stages, similar to the stages of growth of a butterfly: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. Upon completion of the new member process, you will emerge a stronger, smarter woman possessing internal beauty so displayed in the spirit of the butterfly.

The Turquoise Jewel

To many native americans, wearing turquoise is a symbol of their culture. Turquoise has been used as a form of money, a trade item, for spiritual reasons and to create beautiful pieces of art. Although many natives wear and display turquoise jewelery, the natives of the southwest are truly the originators of the fine art of jewelery making with turquoise. One of the Changing Women is of Navajo decent and it is this connection to the natives of the southwest, that we decided on the turquoise as the jewel of Gamma Delta Pi.

Cedar and Sage

Sage and cedar are women’s medicines. They are sacred plants along with tobacco and sweetgrass. Sage is used in purification, introspection, and direction. Cedar is used for courage, growth and to express feelings. Many American Indians use cedar and sage in blessing ceremonies. It is believed that the smoke of burning cedar and/or sage carries our prayers to the Creator. Special attention is given to these plants by the Changing Women of Gamma Delta Pi, and as new members you will also give respectful attention to the use of cedar and sage.

The Four Colors

All tribes have a form of a medicine wheel. The medicine wheel is composed of four colors; red, yellow, black and white. There is no single answer as to the meaning of the medicine wheel, but some interpret it to symbolize the natural cycles of birth, growth, death and regeneration. Similar to how the medicine wheel colors correspond to stages of life, the colors of Gamma Delta Pi correspond to the stages of the new member process and the councils of leadership.

The White Rose

The white rose is an emblem of youth and innocence combined with beauty and strength. The thorns on the stem of the rose are a reminder of the difficult world in which we live. However the pale, spotless, perfection of the rose’s petals remind us of the inner beauty which we possess. This beauty in turn can conquer our troubles in life.