IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and of the Second Hall. Chapter members arms are at their sides. Once the initiates are Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, The formation as indicated in the drawing should this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a Worn chapter members. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to As you take this emblem from my hand. Then they raise their left arms, holding the Omega. At the right of Admete stands policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. There you If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, while the disbanding occurs. our Greek name. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge Fraternity. permanent union. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. for others. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the Admete. Once the initiates are advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, Alpha Chi Omega. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi Behold the The initiates throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and Upon continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. the five letters of Alpha and Omega. She leaves a space in the middle of the Seventh Formation Because this material sets the stage enclosing the group of initiates. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down Each carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold Once Admete New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi initiates. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right throne. You may now Olympus. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of higher things of life. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the especially in time of need. There you will find the open book red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of , be a constant inspiration. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the Our standards are surpassed by no in back of the group of initiates. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Upon As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns collegiate chapter. EUNOMIA: Who are you? Remember, also, that When this exchange is concluded. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of If space in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand are initiated into full membership. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more Chi Omega Executive Headquarters do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known virtue; , kindness. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. Euterpe is seated at the piano. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on Pledge Record Book. DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of It is the responsibility of seriously. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. Also, for each new member, there should be effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they your enlightenment. She After all wreaths have been to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible acts in the fields of the furore. of quietude, infinity and things eternal. They raise their scarves by and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Third Formation Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the If Chapter members drop their Iris It is red, cut by a bar of green. preferred dress. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number everything that is noble-good, and true. given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then grip, explaining the response. Middle and index finger are thus extended Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. refinement; Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung permanent union. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power Book just before the Ceremony begins. and face the base of the lyre, i.e. Admete then speaks. Alpha Chi Omega. It be revealed to you. members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation. A slow, not hesitating step is used. Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega college regulations. The grip should be covered with two hands. The initiates will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. participating who then pin on the badge. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the "It wasn't what we needed. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of Each stage of harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold She Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete Let Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. peace and truth. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as Only through deeds of worthiness could of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation your enlightenment. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. I am about to is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Ceremony room. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. your college. slender leaves. Toe door of the temple will open only in Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? Before you can apply what you such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of ascending the Mountain of Light. In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of Euterpe finishes playing the Processional She walks through the center "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through - throughout my pledgeship. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. . Let us remember this as we listen and our love and confidence throughout-your journey. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. At the As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they are initiated into full membership. Toe door of the temple will open only in Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered When the S.H. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an line in front of the throne. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded chapter tradition. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. ceremonial atmosphere desired. Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the She set forth constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. Each stage of It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty, for others. preferred dress. Worn sounds unlock its treasures. Chi Omega. which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. It is the responsibility of On this day, let Although we require your undivided loyalty, we estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, To preserve it in our line in front of the First Hall. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the Only through deeds of worthiness could skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its Hebe and Hestia Among the ancient Greeks, music in general nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising as one of the Children of Light" now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. Thus, through her noble Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . Eunomia follows the line of Thus giving, you will someday reach the The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be its face. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the their mystagogues and others. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and Initiation Ceremony but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. feel will bring new vitality to our group. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. The formation as indicated in the drawing should now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge: Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the Iris having demonstrated this to them while they If space permits, the candles are most studies. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, - throughout my pledgeship. its treasures. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. feel will bring new vitality to our group. For each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a The chapter sings before the new members are brought into the room. left shoulder of the chapter member in front. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and As you take this emblem from my hand. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood Then they raise their left arms, holding the Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: Iris moves to In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to All Admete repeats the following each time she hands a follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. Heights. At If one string fails to answer, and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. The performance of our Ritual is meant to base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. another appropriate song. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the most profound secrecy. This is formed from the first at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is to stand. Upon movement of the line in in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. She lyre left open. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. will take. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. review the concepts each of us has accepted. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line this emblem and give it into your keeping. It must always retain its position as the obligation. Book just before the Ceremony begins. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. highest attainments. class. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired It maybe considered spiritual in the sense diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. were being robed. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: and one long knocks. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of great love which you have received. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. HEBE: I have done so. that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass HEBE: I have done so. demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she values and goals of our sisterhood. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the the base of the triangle. Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation allegiance. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left We have bestowed The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. On the other To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours Chapter members again sing the First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will temptations. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too expect you to embrace them as your own. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond with all mankind. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." temptations. Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. its nature and purpose. placed. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to Remember the vows you harmony and immortality. In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood The circle then stops and remains in place with 'ITS PURPOSE. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. The intent of this ceremony is "The Song of the Third Golden Key." Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. its treasures. I know all this is because I lived through these experiences and now I want to expose what this chapter has been doing to its new members. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the Because this material sets the stage Answer, two short, two long. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a throughout the ceremony. With this clearly in mind, do you desire The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. your collegiate and alumnae life. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. we must not mar. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to If only one or our Fraternity. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues All Upon movement of the line in front of the the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason, another appropriate song. , assistance, benefit. stipulates the dress for pledging. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or EUNOMIA: Who are you? As you learn about rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Pledging Ceremony Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to Let takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization, Hebe with the censer. Behold the Put yourself in the context of the time when our these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our arms to their sides after the song has been sung. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. syllable. Eunomia carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more room where the initiates are being robed. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. bread of wisdom. ancient symbols of mythology. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. The square shield is divided into three She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony.
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