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THE ZONTA EMBLEM
The origin of the word "Zonta" is from the language of the
Sioux Indian, and it was adopted as the Zonta International name in
1919. The Zonta emblem is just as familiar to members as is the word
"Zonta," and there is an equally interesting story about
its evolution.
The emblem is not simply a decorative design. It is an adaptation
and composite of several Sioux Indian symbols which when superimposed
take on a special significance for Zontians.
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What appears to be the letter "Z" is
actually the Sioux symbol for "ray of light," "sunshine"
or "flash of radiance"--and so by extension, "inspiration." |
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This Sioux symbol means "to band together
for a purpose" or "to stand together"--in a word,
"loyalty". With loyalty, individual members band together
into clubs, clubs into districts, and districts into Zonta International.
So loyalty surrounds the radiance and the inspiration as a familiar
pattern begins to emerge. |
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This is the Sioux way of saying "to carry
together". Carrying together is a most important ingredient
for the accomplishment of Zonta's purpose: to work for the advancement
of understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship
of business executives and professionals. This symbol has been
conventionalized to lend itself to the total pattern and slips
over the inspiration and the loyalty to draw members closer
together. |
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This is the Sioux symbol for "shelter".
Zonta's many service projects are in a real and broad sense
shelter for someone or something. And service is synonymous
with Zonta. This symbol therefore lends itself importantly in
significance and design, embodying Zonta's aims and aspirations. |
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The symbolism of the square is not exclusively
Sioux, nor indeed is it exclusively Native American. It perhaps
dates back even further than all of these other symbols in its
representation of "honesty" and "trust"--strong
and vital qualities with which to bind together the parts of
the whole. |
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This symbol--composed of many symbols--became
Zonta's emblem signifying a radiant group of successful business
executives and professionals who are loyal to the same inspired
goals of service and world understanding with none but the most
honest and trustworthy motives. |
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During the 1996-1998 biennium the Zonta International
Board voted to have the words "Zonta International"
incorporated into the emblem to standardize its appearance and
enhance recognition of Zonta International throughout the world. |
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