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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Test your knowledge of the Zeta Tau Alpha initiation ritual

Quick, free quiz to prep for the ZTA initiation test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ismail Sherif MoustafaUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Zeta Tau Alpha initiation ritual quiz on a coral background

This quiz helps you check your understanding of the Zeta Tau Alpha initiation ritual in a quick, low-pressure way. Get instant scoring, review missed items, and then try the ZTA initiation test for more practice, explore a sorority initiation quiz for broader context, or take a greek life quiz to round out your knowledge.

What are the official colors of Zeta Tau Alpha?
Blue and White
Green and Gold
Black and Old Gold
Purple and Silver
The founders chose Black and Old Gold as Zeta Tau Alpha's official colors to represent enduring strength and noble purpose. These colors appear in chapter banners, ceremonies, and official regalia throughout the initiation ritual. Members wear sashes and decorations in these hues during the ceremony to honor ZTA's heritage. For more on ZTA's symbols and colors, visit .
What is the official flower of Zeta Tau Alpha?
White Violet
Crimson Rose
White Rose
Yellow Lily
Zeta Tau Alpha adopted the White Violet as its official flower in 1902 to symbolize purity, modesty, and faithfulness. The White Violet appears in the initiation ceremony as part of floral arrangements at the altar. New initiates are often presented with a sprig or emblem of the flower to commemorate their membership. More on the White Violet's meaning can be found at .
Which symbol appears on the official badge of Zeta Tau Alpha?
Arrow
Crescent moon
Torch
Five-pointed crown
The badge of Zeta Tau Alpha features a five-pointed crown studded with pearls to represent loyalty, service, and leadership. During initiation, the crown motif is referenced as a reminder of the high ideals members uphold. The crown symbol also appears on official documents and regalia. For details on the badge design, see .
What is the open motto of Zeta Tau Alpha?
Seek the Best
Aim for Excellence
Seek the Noblest
Pursue Truth
"Seek the Noblest" is Zeta Tau Alpha's open motto, encouraging members to always strive for their highest ideals. This phrase is recited during the initiation to remind new sisters of their lifelong commitment to these values. It is engraved on plaques and referenced in ritual readings. More context on the motto is available at .
What is the watchword of Zeta Tau Alpha?
Service
Friendship
Loyalty
Excellence
Zeta Tau Alpha's watchword is "Excellence," reflecting the standard of integrity and achievement expected of each member. During the initiation ritual, the watchword is revealed to symbolize setting a lifelong goal. This term also appears in chapter meetings and official correspondence. For an overview of ZTA's values, visit .
During the initiation ceremony, initiates are required to wear what color attire?
White
Black
Blue
Gold
Initiates wear white to symbolize purity and new beginnings as they enter the sorority. The white attire creates a uniform look that emphasizes unity among candidates. It is one of the first instructions read during the pre-ceremony briefing. Learn more about ritual attire at .
What item do initiates carry to symbolize light during the ritual?
Candle
Torch
Lamp
Lantern
The torch carried by initiates represents knowledge and the guiding light of sisterhood. It is passed from alumnae to new sisters to symbolize the transfer of wisdom. The torch lighting is one of the most solemn moments in the ritual. For more on the torch symbolism, see .
During the initiation ceremony, initiates recite which vow?
Creed
Initiation Oath
Prayer
Pledge
The Initiation Oath is the solemn promise each new member makes to uphold ZTA's ideals. Reciting this oath binds the initiate to the sorority's rules and values. It is delivered after candlelight and before presentation of the badge. For the full oath text, refer to .
What color sash do initiates wear during the ceremony?
Silver
White
Gold
Blue
Initiates wear a gold sash over their white attire to represent the official old gold color of ZTA. This sash distinguishes them as candidates in the ceremony. After initiation, the sash is removed and replaced by the official membership pin. Read more at .
Which song is traditionally sung at the close of the initiation ceremony?
Alma Mater
Toast Song
May We Forever Hold the Gold
Fraternity Song
"May We Forever Hold the Gold" is sung at the end of the ritual to reinforce the bonds of sisterhood. Its lyrics reflect commitment to the society's colors and ideals. Members join hands in a circle while singing this closing song. More details on ZTA songs can be found at .
Who presides over the initiation ceremony?
National President
Vice President
Recording Secretary
Chapter President
The Chapter President leads the initiation ritual, ensuring each step follows the official manual. This role involves reading ritual passages and guiding officers. National officers do not attend chapter-level ceremonies. For officer duties, see .
What item is presented to each new initiate immediately following the oath?
Honor cord
Membership pin
Badge
Certificate
After reciting the Initiation Oath, each new sister receives the official membership pin. This pin is the symbol of full membership in ZTA. Presentation of the pin marks the culmination of the ceremony. Details on the pin's design appear at .
During the ceremony, candidates stand in what formation around the altar?
Semi-circle
V-shape
Full circle
Straight line
Initiates stand in a semi-circle facing the altar to symbolize openness and unity as sisters surround the sacred space. This formation is specified in the ritual manual to ensure visibility and decorum. Full circles or lines are not permitted. For ritual setup guidelines, see .
What prayer is recited as part of the initiation ritual?
Serenity Prayer
The Prayer for Initiates
Grace Before Meals
Alma Mater Prayer
The Prayer for Initiates is a specific invocation asking for guidance and unity as candidates join ZTA. It is recited after lighting the candles and before the oath. Other common prayers are not used in the ceremony. For prayer text, visit .
Before the ceremony, initiates must remove which of the following?
Glasses
Jewelry
Shoes
Watches
All jewelry is removed to maintain uniform appearance and avoid distractions during solemn parts of the ritual. Only the membership pin is allowed once presented. Shoes and other items may remain. For dress code rules, see .
How many taps of the gavel signal candidates to approach the altar?
Two
Three
One
Four
Three taps of the gavel is the official signal for initiates to move forward during the ceremony. This tradition helps maintain order and solemnity. Other numbers of taps are used for different meeting calls. More on meeting signals is at .
Which officer holds the official ritual manual during the ceremony?
Ritual Chair
President
Historian
Secretary
The Ritual Chair bears the manual and follows its instructions verbatim throughout the initiation. This officer ensures no steps are omitted and manages all ritual paraphernalia. Other officers do not handle the manual. For officer roles, refer to .
At what point during the ceremony are the room lights dimmed?
At the very end
During the prayer
After the oath
Before candle lighting
Lights are dimmed just before the candle lighting segment to emphasize the symbolic flame of knowledge. This timing sets a reverent mood for the oath. The manual specifies no other dimming. For ritual lighting guidelines, see .
What symbolizes the unending bond among sisters in the ritual?
Circle of joined hands
Badge clasp
Candlelight
Torch flame
At the close, sisters form a circle, holding hands to represent unity without beginning or end. This circle echoes the ideals of lifelong sisterhood. The torch flame is important but not used for this symbol. More on ritual symbols is at .
When is the watchword revealed to initiates?
At registration
After the ceremony
During the Oath
During the first chapter meeting
The watchword "Excellence" is disclosed mid-ceremony, as part of the Initiation Oath segment. This timing underscores its importance as a personal commitment. It is not revealed during registration or afterward. For ritual timing, see .
What is the significance of the seven stars on the ritual emblem?
They symbolize seven virtues
They mark seven provinces
They denote seven years of probation
They represent the seven founding members
The seven stars honor the seven women who founded Zeta Tau Alpha at Longwood University in 1898. This emblem appears on certificates and ritual paraphernalia. While stars often represent virtues, in ZTA they specifically recall the founders. For historical details, see .
Which scripture verse is traditionally read during the initiation ceremony?
Psalm 133:1
Proverbs 3:5
John 15:13
Psalm 23:1
Psalm 133:1 - "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for sisters to dwell together in unity" - is chosen for its message of fellowship. The verse is read aloud during the bond segment of the ritual. Other popular verses are not part of the official ceremony. Read more at .
What seating arrangement do chapter members use during the ritual?
Theatrical rows
Amphitheater style
Circular
U-shaped
Chapters arrange seating in a U-shape to frame the initiates and altar, ensuring all members can participate visually and acoustically. The open end faces the presiding officer. Circular or row formations are discouraged by the manual. For seating diagrams, see .
What phrase is said immediately after lighting all the candles?
Shine bright
Let there be light
Light the way
Illuminate our hearts
"Let there be light" is the solemn declaration uttered after all candles are lit to symbolize enlightenment. This direct phrasing is specified in the ritual script. Alternate phrases are not permitted. See the official script at .
What color trim is used on the official initiation certificate?
Green trim
Silver trim
Blue trim
Gold trim
The initiation certificate features gold border trim to mirror ZTA's official old gold color and royalty of the crown emblem. This trim frames the text and signatures. No other trim colors are authorized. Certificate design details are outlined in the manual at .
How long must new initiates stand holding the torch after the oath?
Thirty seconds
Ten seconds
Two minutes
One minute
New members hold the torch aloft for thirty seconds after reciting the oath to symbolize sustained commitment to knowledge. The ritual manual times this period precisely. Shorter or longer durations are not permitted. For timing instructions, refer to .
What special handshake is taught to initiates during the ceremony?
Crescent handshake
Golden handshake
Triple A handshake
Torch handshake
The Crescent handshake is introduced to new sisters as a formal greeting unique to ZTA, symbolizing the crescent emblem. It is practiced during the ritual and used in sister-to-sister recognition thereafter. Other handshake names are incorrect. For ritual greetings, see .
What phrase begins the preamble in the ritual handbook?
We assemble in unity
Welcome, sisters
In the name of Zeta Tau Alpha
Let the ceremony commence
The handbook preamble opens with "We assemble in unity" to emphasize collective purpose before any readings. This exact wording is mandated by the ritual manual. Variations are considered breaches of ritual. See the full text at .
Where do initiates sign their names to complete their membership?
On the pin card
Chapter ritual record book
On the certificate
In the alumni register
After the formal ceremony, each sister signs the Chapter Ritual Record Book, the official ledger of membership. Signing the certificate is symbolic but the record book is the binding document. This practice is described in the manual. Learn more at .
What Greek word used in the ritual means "friendship"?
Agape
Philia
Logos
Eros
"Philia" is the Greek term for brotherly or sisterly friendship and is used in ZTA's ritual texts. It underscores the bond among members. Other Greek words denote different concepts. See more on Greek terms at .
What is the exact Greek wording of the ritual watchword as printed in the manual?
?????
?????
???????
?????
The ritual manual lists the watchword in Greek as "?????", which translates to "Excellence." This precise spelling is required whenever the watchword appears in Greek. Substituting any other form is a ritual violation. See the manual excerpt at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the sequence of the zeta tau alpha initiation ritual -

    Readers will be able to outline each step of the zeta tau alpha initiation ceremony, from welcome traditions to closing rituals.

  2. Identify key symbols and traditions -

    Users will recognize and explain the significance of symbols featured in the ZTA initiation test, such as badges, crests, and songs.

  3. Recall terminology and phrasing -

    Participants will memorize essential terms and ceremonial phrases used during the zeta tau alpha initiation ceremony to enhance their quiz performance.

  4. Analyze the historical significance -

    Readers will evaluate the origins and evolution of major rituals within the zeta tau alpha initiation ritual and their relevance today.

  5. Apply best practices for test preparation -

    After engaging with the quiz, users will adopt effective study strategies to prepare for their own ZTA initiation test.

  6. Assess readiness for initiation -

    Participants will be able to gauge their mastery of all initiation ceremony details and identify areas needing further review.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Founding and Historical Roots -

    Review the origins of the zeta tau alpha initiation ritual at Longwood University in 1898, when the first chapter was chartered. Remember the mnemonic "Farmville '98" to recall the founding location and year. Understanding this context strengthens your answers on any ZTA initiation test by linking dates to key events.

  2. Strawberry Symbolism -

    The strawberry represents the first gift to the founders and embodies the sweetness of sisterhood. A handy memory phrase is "Sweet Sisters Share Strawberries" to recall why this symbol appears in the initiation ceremony. Mastering this detail shows you know not only the symbol but its heartfelt significance in the zeta tau alpha initiation ritual.

  3. Official Insignia and Symbols -

    Familiarize yourself with the five-pointed crown, the white violet, and the official crest featuring a dove and linked rings. Use the acronym "CVR" (Crown, Violet, Rings) to keep these elements straight during your ZTA initiation test. Detailing their meanings - leadership (crown), purity (violet), unity (rings) - demonstrates depth of study.

  4. Core Values and Ideals -

    Memorize Zeta Tau Alpha's five values: scholarship, leadership, service, sisterhood, and philanthropy. A simple mnemonic is "SLLSP" - Say Ladies Love Strong Purposes - to help recall each pillar in order. Connecting these ideals to real ceremony moments boosts your confidence when quizzed on the initiation ceremony's ethos.

  5. Ritual Sequence Overview -

    Outline the initiation ceremony's key steps: Preference Night, Presentation of the Program, Candlelight Service, Oath of Membership, and Rose Ceremony. The acronym "PPCOR" keeps the sequence clear for any zeta tau alpha initiation ceremony quiz. Practicing this order verbally ensures you'll ace procedural questions on your initiation test.

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