Tombstone Tuesday–Pythian Sisters Symbol

The Pythian Sisters, the female auxiliary of the Knights of Pythias, had their own symbol, a Maltese cross with the letters PLEF. These letters stand for Purity, Love, Equality, and Fidelity. This is the symbol used on a member’s tombstone.

Pythian Sisters symbol on tombstone, Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio.

Knights of Pythias & Pythian Sisters symbols on same tombstone, Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio.

The Pythian Sisters were formed in 1888. Their local units are called Temples, their state units called Grand Temples, and the national structure called Supreme Temple. The Pythian Sisters have a youth affiliate, the Pythian Sunshine Girls, established in 1930.

Pythian Sisters flag holder, Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio.

I featured the Knights of Pythias symbol in a Tombstone Tuesday a couple weeks ago. Both societies are fraternal charitable, benevolent societies.

Knights of Pythias & Pythian Sisters symbols on tombstone, Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio.

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