Alpha Chi Omega Pillow

Alpha Chi Omega gifts can be made special with a painted lyre in red and green.

This little pillow was a custom order for a gift. It is the first time I have had the pleasure of painting the lyre for an Alpha Chi Omega gift. I was curious to find out the origin of the lyre as the Alpha Chi Omega symbol. The lyre symbol was chosen by the founders after  a lot of research. It was designed by James G. Campbell. He was an undergraduate member of Beta Theta Pi  fraternity who acted as librarian for DePauw's School of Music. The lyre which is a replica of a three-stringed harp was named the symbol because it illustrated to the members' musical interest, as music connects the souls of many.  Also, according to Greek mythology, the lyre was first instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus.

Sorority Sisters  now has a Alpha Chi Omega Ideas page that includes quotes, poems, and interesting facts about Alpha Chi Omega. It is an ongoing project to add pages for every major sorority to this site. Readers, please add to these pages in the comments to share with others.

And related to the LYRE is the symphony of Alpha Chi Omega

The symphony of Alpha Chi Omega

"My Symphony"

To see beauty even in the common things of life.

To shed the light of love and friendship round me.

To keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life.

To strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness, of joy, of peace.

To appreciate every little service rendered.

To see and appreciate all that is noble in another,

Be her badge what it may.

And to let my lyre send forth the chords of love, unselfishness, sincerity.

This is to be my symphony.

-Celia McClure, Delta Chapter: Allegheny College, 1914

Sorority Pillow Idea

This is a simple sorority pillow, but it has  a classic look. Green and Red are two of Alpha Chi Omega sorority's colors, so choosing a green and white gingham for the backgroud and red for the letters is a welcome choice. Making the letters in red and the background in green rather than a red background and green letters assures that the letters are noticed.

The ruffle gives the pillow a feminine touch plus it adds to the distinctive look of the pillow (rather than a plain pillow edge)

So if you plan to make a sorority pillow, consider these three things:

1. Choose your colors wisely. They matter most of all.

2. A simple pillow with just the Greek letters is often the classiest.

3. Incorporating a ruffle or piping at the edge makes a finer looking pillow than just a straight edge.