Calls and Hand Signs

[The Researcher]

I hope noone is offended by all the questions.

I've read a couple history books, but they never tell origins of calls or hand signs. Are the origins of the hand signs and calls esoteric? If not, how did they originate?

[12dn94dst]

in a word: yes

[BS1980]

Originally posted by The Researcher:
I hope noone is offended by all the questions.

I've read a couple history books, but they never tell origins of calls or hand signs. Are the origins of the hand signs and calls esoteric? If not, how did they originate?

Hello. I want to give you my secret handshake- It's kinda' hard to describe, though... but I'll try anyway.

[details edited from post]

That's the largest sorority's secret handshake.

[This message has been edited by John Hammell (edited October 21, 2000).]

[Senusret I]

APO Philippines has a whistle. I have forgotten it though. I learned it at the Louisville Convention in 06.

[fantASTic]

Personally, I feel like whistles, hand signs, calls, handshakes, etc are PRIVATE and should not be done enough that non-members can recognize them. Just my opinion, though.

[daniellory]

It's not right to post the secrets of organizations. Even if it is your own, you should respect the people who do keep it a secret.

Originally Posted by daniellory

It's not right to post the secrets of organizations. Even if it is your own, you should respect the people who do keep it a secret.

Preaching to the choir...

[LXiDeuceKlub07]

Or we could all just ask the Masons.

[Knight0843]

I am a Fraternity Man as well as a Freemason, so I can tell you a few things. We have signs, handshakes, words, grips and multiple other means of recognition for Brothers. Seeing as the Collegiate Fraternity evolved from Freemasonry, it is understandable that many organizations have similar means of recognition.

[DSTCHAOS]

Did that answer a question or something?

Groups of humans have been doing the "how shall we recognize each other" thing forever. Before Masonry existed. They are just the longest lasting collective with a record of these things. And we know that GLOs evolved from Masonry just as Masonry evolved from something.

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

Did that answer a question or something?

Groups of humans have been doing the "how shall we recognize each other" thing forever. Before Masonry existed. They are just the longest lasting collective with a record of these things. And we know that GLOs evolved from Masonry just as Masonry evolved from something.

EXACTLY. I read that secret societies in Africa also have similar ways of recognizing eachother and showing unity.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by rhoyaltempest

EXACTLY. I read that secret societies in Africa also have similar ways of recognizing eachother and showing unity.

Yep.

Not to mention the alleged use of the "the Jesus fish"/Ictus as a way for Christians to identify one another without risking religious persecution. That's not so much a secret method used by a "secret society" but it goes to show that humans have been doing this stuff forever.

[SXB90lm]

Chi Omega is the largest women's organization in the United States, even bigger than the Girl Scouts. This is a common knowledge fact available to anyone. All Greeks are taught this at some point.

[dreamseeker]

lol. damn, my dean must've slipped up on that one. or maybe i'm not a real greek after all.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by dreamseeker

lol. damn, my dean must've slipped up on that one. or maybe i'm not a real greek after all.

You're phonecian. Haha.