sigma chi ritual: part 12: secret mottos revealed

The Challenge Lecture

PRO CONSUL: To determine who is a Sigma Chi the challenger gives the sign of salutation demonstrates, which should never be used where there is danger of detection. The meaning is Sigma Chi. The person challenged, if a Sigma Chi, responds with the countersign of recognition demonstrates, which is used only in answer to the sign of salutation. Its meaning is the same, Sigma Chi.
The permanent password, Constantine , is then used in this manner.
The brother challenging asks: “Are you a Sigma Chi?”
The answer is: “I am.”
The challenger says: “Begin.”
The brother challenged responds: “Con”
The challenger answers: “Stan”
The brother challenged responds: “Tine”
Either brother may then apply such further tests as he shall see fit.
The challenge grip is then given, and while giving it the challenger speaks the first secret motto, say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs.
Its meaning is Shrine of Friendship.
The challenged responds with the second secret motto, steggah-man-krees-tose. Its meaning is We Protect the Worthy
In our ordinary association with our brothers, however, the fraternal grip is given and not the challenge grip.


The Challenge Exemplification

PRO CONSUL: I will now request two of our brothers to exemplify the whole challenge, while I explain it further.
The Pro Consul designates two brothers, who come forward and exchange the entire challenge. They must proceed slowly, so as to give the Pro Consul time for the explanations; and for this purpose the whole form should be made a matter of careful rehearsal beforehand.
The First Brother gives the sign of salutation.
PRO CONSUL: This is the sign of salutation. He indicates its formation. Its meaning is Sigma Chi.
The Second Brother gives the sign of recognition.
PRO CONSUL: This is the sign of recognition. He indicates its formation. Its meaning is the same, Sigma Chi. These signs are used only in fraternal salutation and never where there is danger of detection.
FIRST BROTHER: Are you a Sigma Chi?
SECOND BROTHER: I am.
FIRST BROTHER: Begin.
SECOND BROTHER: Con.
FIRST BROTHER: Stan.
SECOND BROTHER: Tine.
PRO CONSUL: This is our permanent password, whose meaning and relevance you understand. At this point either brother may apply such further tests as he shall see fit.
The First and Second Brothers exchange the challenge grip.
PRO CONSUL: This is the challenge grip. He indicates its formation. Its meaning is Sigma Chi.
FIRST BROTHER, gives the first secret motto: Say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs.
PRO CONSUL: This is our first secret motto, repeating it say-kahs-kar-ah-tahs. Its meaning is Shrine of Friendship.
SECOND BROTHER, gives the second secret motto: Stegg-ah-man-krees-tose.
PRO CONSUL: This is our second secret motto, repeating it stegg-ah-man-krees-tose. Its meaning is We Protect the ….
The First and Second Brothers exchange the fraternal grip.
PRO CONSUL: This is our fraternal grip. He indicates its formation. In our ordinary associations with our brothers this grip is given, and not the challenge grip.
By means of the Challenge we determine who are true brothers. Everyone admitted to our Chapter meetings is put to these tests. Should you ever visit another chapter, and be unable to answer the Challenge, your ignorance would not only cause you embarrassment, but would arouse the suspicion that you are an impostor.
PRO CONSUL, addressing First and Second Brothers: Brothers, I thank you. They resume their places in the circle.