Colors The colors of The Order are traditionally Crimson and Old Gold. The colors represent the blood sacrificed (crimson red) and the money spent (old gold) in defense of the country.
Crest A crest was worn on the helmet of a knight to designate him the leader. Our crest is an arm wielding a battle-ax in the act of striking. This was taken from a portion of the Knight Commander’s seal, which was devised by Ammen in 1893.
Sunburst The backgrounds of other “achievements” may be a flowing scarf or cloak. In our coat of arms, however beams of light radiate in every direction from the coronet. These rays of light with shadows were more appropriate for the Order’s purpose.
Knight’s Helmet and Crown Crowns or coronets, were used in coat arms of truly great men. The helmet is that of a knight, properly befitting our order.
Badge The shield is the modernized version of the badge, initially designed by James Ward Wood. Our badge includes the shield surrounded by pearls, and it’s background collectively known as the escutcheon. Used on our badge is the Greek cross.
Flowers The flowers of the Order are the crimson rose and the magnolia blossom. The crimson rose represents masculine might and the white magnolia blossom represents purity.
The Crest The flowers of the order and a ribbon featuring the order’s motto adorn the bottom of the crest. The crest itself is representative of several things; the hand holding the axe represents the continuing power of the Knight Commander and of the order. The Helmet was, at one time, a symbol used by the Knight Commander of the Order. The badge is featured at the center of the crest, and the lions on either side represent different things each. The lion on the left, looking away, symbolizes “rampant”, meaning magnanimous. The lion on the right, looking towards you, symbolizes “regardent”, which means cautious or circumspect. Motto The Kappa Alpha Order motto is “Dieu et les Dames” which is French for “God and Woman. This public motto remind us of our duty and objective as knights of Kappa Alpha Order.