Skull And Crossbones Fraternity For Short – Frat House of Secrets
Ahoy mateys! Today we’ll be embarking on a voyage to the mysterious land of Skull and Crossbones. No, this isn’t a pirate convention or the latest Johnny Depp fan club; it’s a super-secret society at Yale University.
Yup, grab your eye patches because we’re about to unravel the secrets of this exclusive club. But remember, dead men tell no tales. Arrrr!
Brief History: From Pirates to Preppy Elites
The Skull and Crossbones fraternity for short Society, also known as “Bones,” was founded in 1832 by a group of Yale students who were definitely not pirates (or so they claim). Since then, it has served as a super-secret clubhouse for some of the university’s most elite students.
Every year, 15 lucky (or cursed) juniors are “tapped” to join the society. What does that mean, you ask? Well, it’s a bit like being chosen for the pirate crew of an exclusive, landlocked ship.
The new members are then initiated into the world of Skull and Crossbones, where they’ll engage in secret rituals, make powerful connections, and maybe even find some buried treasure.
But what’s a secret society without a secret lair? The “Bonesmen” meet in a mysterious building called “The Tomb.” This windowless, padlocked fortress is filled with secrets, and probably some really fancy throw pillows. More on that later.
Infamous Members: Who’s Who Among the Skulls
The Skull and Crossbones Society has a roster of members that reads like a who’s who of powerful and influential people. A few of the more famous (or infamous) Bonesmen include:
William H. Taft (Class of 1878)
The only person to have ever been both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Talk about an overachiever!
George H.W. Bush (Class of 1948)
The 41st President of the United States and father of George W. Bush, another Bonesman and future President. Keeping it all in the family!
John Kerry (Class of 1966)
Former U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and Presidential candidate. He lost to fellow Bonesman George W. Bush in the 2004 election. Awkward…
Steve Mnuchin (Class of 1985)
Former Goldman Sachs executive and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Because every secret society needs a money guy, right?
Inside the Tomb: Secrets, Rituals, and Riches
The Tomb, home to the Skull and Crossbones fraternity for short, is said to be filled with all sorts of strange and mysterious relics. A few of the more interesting (and completely unconfirmed) items rumored to be inside include:
Geronimo’s Skull
Legend has it that Prescott Bush (father of George H.W. and grandfather of George W.) stole the skull of the famous Apache warrior from his grave in 1918. The skull is now said to reside in The Tomb as a morbid trophy. Creepy!
Hitler’s Silverware
Yup, you read that right. Some claim that the Bonesmen have a set of silverware that once belonged to Adolf Hitler himself. Talk about some seriously bad dinner party vibes.
A Collection of Stolen Art
Word on the street is that The Tomb has a secret art gallery filled with stolen masterpieces. Who needs the Louvre when you have your own private collection, right?
As for rituals, well, they’re as secret as the Krabby Patty formula. But a few things we do know (or think we know) include:
The Initiation
New members are blindfolded, taken to The Tomb, and then subjected to a series of bizarre and potentially embarrassing initiation rituals. Sounds like a wild night, eh?
The Bones Whistle
Members are given a special whistle that they can use to summon help from fellow Bonesmen in times of need. It’s like having your own secret Bat-Signal, but with more whistling.
The Skull and Crossbones Handshake
Because what’s a secret society without a secret handshake?
Conspiracy Theories: Skulls, Crossbones, and Global Domination
With so much secrecy surrounding the Skull and Crossbones fraternity for short, it’s no wonder that conspiracy theories abound. Here are a few of the most popular (and far-fetched) theories about the Bonesmen:
World Domination
Some people believe that the Skull and Crossbones Society is part of a larger network of secret societies that control world events from behind the scenes. It’s like the Illuminati, but with more tweed jackets.
The CIA Connection
There’s a theory that the Bonesmen have strong ties to the CIA, and that many members go on to work for the agency. Because nothing says “covert intelligence” like a secret society at an Ivy League university.
Time-Traveling Aliens
Okay, this one might be a bit of a stretch, but some people actually believe that the Skull and Crossbones Society is run by time-traveling aliens who are trying to shape human history. Hey, stranger things have happened, right?
Fun Facts: Because Who Doesn’t Love Trivia?
To wrap up our journey into the land of Skull and Crossbones, here are a few fun facts about the society:
Secret Symbols
The Skull and Crossbones fraternity for short has its own secret language, complete with symbols and codes. If you ever find yourself in New Haven, keep an eye out for mysterious graffiti!
Famous Rivalries
The Skull and Crossbones Society has a number of rival secret societies at Yale, including the equally mysterious Scroll and Key and Wolf’s Head. It’s like Hogwarts, but with less magic and more secret handshakes.
The Bones Banned
In 1873, the society was temporarily banned from the Yale campus for engaging in “mischief” and “criminal acts.” Apparently, even secret societies have to deal with the occasional time-out.
Final Thoughts!
That’s an end to a light-hearted look at the society of Skull and Crossbones fraternity for short. While we may never know all of the secrets that lie within The Tomb, one thing’s for sure: if you ever find yourself at Yale, it’s probably best to steer clear of any buildings with padlocks and pirate flags.
FAQs
Historically, the society was a male-only organization, but in 1991, they started admitting women. So now, both male and female students have the opportunity to join this elite group of Yale undergrads.
The selection process for Skull and Crossbones is shrouded in secrecy, but it’s generally believed that members are chosen based on their achievements, leadership qualities, and connections. Basically, you need to be a pretty big deal on campus to get noticed and “tapped” for membership.
Yes! The society has inspired numerous works of fiction over the years. One of the most famous is “The Skulls,” a 2000 film starring Joshua Jackson and Paul Walker. The movie is a thriller about a college student who uncovers dark secrets after joining a secret society based on the Skull and Crossbones.
The number 322 appears on the society’s emblem and is believed to be a reference to the year 322 BCE, which marks the death of the Greek orator Demosthenes. The society’s founders admired his ideas on democracy and freedom of speech, and the number serves as a reminder of their dedication to these principles.
Yes, many universities have their own secret societies, often with traditions and rituals similar to those of the Skull and Crossbones Society. Some well-known examples include the Porcellian Club at Harvard, the Seven Society at the University of Virginia, and the Order of the Bull’s Blood at Rutgers University. It seems that secret societies are as much a part of college life as late-night study sessions and questionable dining hall food!
