Each girl and boy has their own greek name given to them during the initiation ceremony by the executive members of the house. Having a Greek name means you are associated in the Greek community and you have an identity other than yourself that you are representing in the house this tradition has been passed down since the very beginning of Greek community and it is a way to separate the Greek community from those who are not involved. It is representational of how a member is now immersed into the Greek community as they are now seen as Greek themselves. I enjoy having a Greek name as it gives you a special place in the house. Each name can be translated to English and they usually mean “beautiful”, “knowledgable”, or something along those sorts.

Wine has evolved as part of life, culture and diet since time immemorial. As an enduring cultural symbol of fine life in France and Switzerland especially, the role of wine has evolved over time, changing from an important source of nutrition to a cultural complement to food and conviviality compatible with a healthy lifestyle. Having a personal vineyard shows wealth and class. Knowing and liking aged and expensive wines shows such. What is especially impressive and well-received in European society is the ability to distinguish different wines from another and being able to tell where it is from. The practice of drinking wine is lenient with age as some drink as early as 12. I find this custom very classy and typical of European culture as the climate of Europe, especially Italy, France, and Switzerland are known for producing great grapes. In these countries, having a personal vineyard is also symbolic of great wealth and power. Wine is also used to bring people together as it is not uncommon for people to taste wine together and celebrate with a bottle

A rösti is a traditional dish in Swiss culture that was used in the medieval times as a dish mountain men would make in the cold, desolate mountains in order to stay warm and to keep full as a rösti is essentially a fried potato dish that is very filling and hearty. It is still served in traditional Swiss restaurants mostly to tourists because the meal is not very healthy. Along with the traditional and historic roots, a rösti is a right of passage. Learning and the making of it for men and women is symbolic of how they can provide for families even if times of extreme cold and hunger. A rösti is a form of comfort to the Swiss because it helped their ancestors survive for so many years in the cruel winter conditions. I enjoy rösti: it is very delicious and usually served in themed restaurants

Sororities have songs that they sing during rush before and after dinner during chapter during initiation ceremonies– a form of folklore in the way that they have been passed down from the very beginning of the houses’ creation and have been slightly altered in ways to fit each chapter. They are individual and unique to the chapters and show the chapters values morals and ideals and essentially the culture of the house. A form of folklore, they have been passed down from pledge class to pledge class. I enjoy these songs as they are tailored to each sorority and are very upbeat and catchy. But, they can become annoying when they are stuck in your head all day.

Sororities have songs that they sing during rush before and after dinner during chapter during initiation ceremonies-a form of folklore in the way that they have been passed down from the very beginning of the houses’ creation and have been slightly altered in ways to fit each chapter. They are individual and unique to the chapters and show the chapters values morals and ideals and essentially the culture of the house. A form of folklore they have been passed down from pledge class to pledge class. They are fun songs to sing even though they can get caught in your head for days on end which can get really annoying. Otherwise, they are up-beat and happy songs that highlight the member’s love for the chapter.