Silent figures draped in black moved solemnly through the night Wednesday, carrying lanterns to light their way in a Greek commemoration that dates back to the mid-1800s.

Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity began the Black Lantern Processional at Thurston Manor, 2132 Sunset Drive, the home of the 54 members. The members were celebrating the 155th anniversary of their national founding with one of the oldest traditions associated with their fraternity.

Jeff Oleson, president of Alpha Sigma Phi, said the ceremony dates back to the early years of American education and originated Dec. 6, 1845, at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

In its early years at Yale, the processional was used to announce the selection of new members into the fraternity. The new members joined the march and were taken to the fraternity for their first meeting, said Oleson, junior in computer engineering.

Members of the ISU chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi previously used this event as a way to welcome new pledges into their chapter, said David Critchlow, chapter adviser, who was the marshal of the processional. The processional was last observed at Iowa State in 1992, said Critchlow, assistant director of student programs for the ISU Alumni Association.

“I think it is good that we are restarting a tradition that is one of the oldest to the fraternity,” Oleson said.

The fraternity also dedicated the processional as a memorial to deceased brothers.

“This is a nice tradition to keep with and a great way to show pride within the fraternity,” said Critchlow, Alpha Sigma Phi alum.

During Wednesday night’s processional, about 50 members of the fraternity came out of the house and positioned themselves in the shape of the Greek letter omega.

New members were dressed in formal attire and were positioned among the rest of the caped members.

As they formed the omega, other members handed out fliers to explain the evening’s occurrence while thanking onlookers for their support of the event.

When in place, the group began a chant known as the Omega Pledge, which was led by Critchlow.

After the chant, the men placed their lanterns on the ground and went back into their house in silence.

According to the Alpha Sigma Phi handbook, “The Processional is enacted in memory of brothers who have passed to the omega chapter, signifying that although they are no longer present, their spirit remains forever in the minds of the Brothers.”

Oleson said the processional is an important part of the fraternity’s history.

“We need to remember those who have passed on to the omega chapter and learn from the great history that they have left behind,” Oleson said.