Phi Alpha Theta

Photo of phi alpha theta logo

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society for history majors. Rho Rho is NJCU's official chapter of the organization. For more information about Phi Alpha Theta, please contact NJCU's chapter coordinator, Dr. Rosamond Hooper-Hamersley.

Pi Alpha Theta logo

Above is the logo for the Phi Alpha Theta. PAT's website explains the meaning behind the logo.

The symbolism of the Society is a Star, a Serpent, the Colors, and the Flower. The six-pointed star, which is composed of two triangles, is worked in black and laid on a circular frame, the whole encircled by a Serpent.

That which governs the universe may be thought of as having three attributes: Parenthood, Spirit of Life, and Reason, which are symbolized by one of the triangles. Ancient philosophers believed that people and the world were made of three elements: Spirit, Blood, and Water. These are represented by the second triangle of the Star.

The triangle with the apex below the base symbolizes the guiding principles of the universe.The Greek letter PI . . . signifies Progonos, for Parenthood.The letter PSI . . . signifies Psyche, for Spirit of Life.The letter LAMBDA . . . signifies Logos, for Reason.The letter ALPHA . . . signifies Haima, for Blood.The letter UPSILON . . . signifies Hydor, for Water.The letter PSI . . . signifies Psyche, for Spirit of Life.

The union of these two triangles forming the six-pointed star (the Ancient Assyrian sign of divinity) symbolizes the intimate relation of the infinite and the human. By some ancient peoples the Serpent was regarded as a symbol of eternity, good fortune, and plenty. In our symbolism it signifies happiness, fruitfulness, and eternity.

Superimposed on the black within the two triangles are the three letters, PHI, ALPHA, THETA, - Philia, Anthropos, Theos, - signifying Love, Humanity, God.

The colors of our society also denote the relation between the human and the infinite. The red symbolizes the blood, which is essential to human life, while the blue symbolizes the sky, which to many ancient peoples signified the divine. The flower, a deep red rose, symbolizes beauty, charm, and fervency.