The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CANDLE CEREMONY

IN SIGMA, SIGMA, SIGMA SORORITY AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT, WE
HAVE A CANDLE CEREMONY IN HONOR OF THE DEGREE OF THE RELATION-
SHIP BETWEEN A MEMBER AND HER BOYFRIEND. ONLY ONE OTHER
MEMBER KNOWS ABOUT HER RELATIONSHIP. THIS MEMBER MAKES
THE OTHER MEMBERS FORM A LARGE CIRCLE IN WHICH A CANDLE
IS PASSED AROUND. THE FIRST TIME THE CANDLE GOES AROUND,
NOTHING HAPPENS. IF THE CANDLE IS BLOWN OUT BY THE SECRET
MEMBER, THE SECOND TIME AROUND, THAT MEMBER IS GOING
STEADY; THIRD TIME AROUND, MEANS SHE'S PINNED, FOURTH
TIME AROUND MEANS SHE'S ENGAGED. USUALLY THIS CEREMONY
TAKES PLACE AT MEETINGS, PARTIES OR ANNUAL DINNER DANCES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN