Time for a History Lesson

Tri Delta's history runs deep and it is such a privilege to get to be a part of something so special. In today's Pansy Post, we are going to take a deep dive into all of Tri Delta's symbols and signs. We hold each and every tradition very close to our hearts so being able to share some of the same memories with our sisters from 1888 is something super sweet.

Pearls

Starting off strong, pearls hold a lot of weight in our chapter because it is the time we are new members. Once we have passed bid day, but before we get initiated is the time we consider ourselves pearls. Pearls represent purity and growth. Just as a pearl is formed through patience and growth, it symbolizes the personal development and lifelong value of Tri Delta membership.

Pines

We are considered pine trees during our time of membership, after initiation, before graduation. The pine represents endurance, strength, and everlasting sisterhood. As an evergreen, it symbolizes loyalty and the idea that Tri Delta’s values and friendships remain constant through every season of life.

Pansies

We are pansies after we have graduated and become Alumni of Tri Delta. The pansy symbolizes thoughtfulness, remembrance, and devotion. It reflects the care Tri Delta women show for one another and honors the lasting memories and bonds formed through sisterhood. We even get rings that we typically wear on on our right pointer finger with a Pansy on it, to show our love and dedication for our chapter.

Dolphins & Poseidon

Tri Delta uses the dolphin and Poseidon because of our strong roots in Greek mythology and the values they represent. In myth, dolphins were sacred to Poseidon, the god of the sea, and symbolized friendship, protection, harmony, and guidance—often helping sailors safely reach shore. By adopting the dolphin and its connection to Poseidon, Tri Delta reflects ideals of loyalty, lifelong friendship, and sisters guiding and supporting one another through every stage of life. We even have a fountain of Poseidon on our back porch!

Silver, Gold & Blue

Silver, gold, and cerulean blue perfectly reflect the spirit and values of Tri Delta. Silver represents truth and purity, gold symbolizes strength, worth, and excellence, and blue reflects loyalty and sincerity—qualities that define Tri Delta sisterhood. Together, these colors create a timeless and elegant identity that honors Tri Delta’s history while representing the strong, devoted women who carry its values forward today.

Our Motto

Tri Delta’s motto, “Let us steadfastly love one another,” captures the heart of our values and sisterhood. It serves as a reminder to lead with kindness, loyalty, and compassion in every relationship, both within Tri Delta and beyond it. Through this motto, Tri Delta women are encouraged to support one another unconditionally and to carry a spirit of love and service throughout their lives.

Time and Place

Tri Delta was founded on November 27, 1888, at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. Established by a group of women committed to friendship, truth, and self-sacrifice, Tri Delta became one of the first sororities founded by women and has grown into a lifelong sisterhood rooted in strong values and tradition.

The Delta Iota chapter of Tri Delta at the University of Arkansas was established in 1913, making it the fourth sorority on the Fayetteville campus and one of the longstanding Greek organizations at U of A.

Now, Arkansas Tri Delta is the biggest Tri Delta chapter nationwide with over 500 active members.