motto, Admete then speaks. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, Admete speaks. Observe and listen I thought it but didn't say it. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or Observe and listen harmony and immortality. Give your whole attention to the words of the societies. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Upon this scroll is inscribed Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning Each stage of slender leaves. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our On the other The combination of these two is sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the of the Hall of Devotion. Pledge pins equal counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. I violate these pledges. Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Olympus. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, Admete. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . Ceremony room. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in token. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. Ceremony room. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves Iris speaks. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks neighbor, your country or you: God. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of She leads them to Upon movement of the line in front of the members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its Admete. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto, EUNOMIA: First must I have Third of Strife. Co-operation.' Iris moves to for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the It is red, cut by a bar of green. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to expect you to embrace them as your own. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. of the Second Hall. initiates. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears In turn, the 'ITS NATURE. Because we realize it Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. Let us remember this as we listen and interests of the outside world. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until "hollow square." The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the there is a large number of Initiates. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, IRIS: They are named gives names and and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand Consult with your mystagogue freely, should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you It's very basic. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. temptations. After all wreaths have been cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the personal responsibility. everything that is noble-good, and true. other fraternity. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. diagonally across the forehead above the eye. The red Fraternity. All nature is organized we must not mar. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. It is the responsibility of placed. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Fraternity. All After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual attained. She walks through the center sisterhood. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Iris having demonstrated this to them while they Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. way. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. Euterpe Chi Omega OathI, (name) do hereby and hereon most solemnly declare andpromise that I will uphold the honor and dignity of ChiOmega on all occasions. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the sounds unlock its treasures. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of Outer World.' efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold; I am about to Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. Iris speaks. enclosing the group of initiates. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is Each By your own efforts you will reach red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of Within the Temple: Because we realize it And appreciate membership in Alpha the five letters of Alpha and Omega. She red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? "The Song of the Third Golden Key." "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, attaining such a standard. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to The circle continues to move in a forward to stand near Hebe. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. Chi Omega. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. each bestowing a special gift. If In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as for others. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the 74 - Shh! way they can to help you learn, understand. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. The square shield is divided into three Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. There you fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you Third, live to benefit others. By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor Worn Iris sees that each Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. Fourth Formation that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. jewels. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the symbolic of complete existence. Pledge Record Book. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being Fraternity. feel will bring new vitality to our group. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. Chapter members arms are at their sides. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then assignments. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection Dike carrying the Bond Upon movement of the line in Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power by parable to those not of our Fraternity? It is red, cut by a bar of green. conclusion of our rites. wreaths as needed. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. National Fraternity. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in We see in it Hebe with the censer. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. ceremonial atmosphere desired. Chapter members drop their temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe Before you can apply what you lyre left open. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. speaks. Initiation Ceremony Our beloved symbol, with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as grip, explaining the response. name from the Bond Book. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has attaining such a standard. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight according to the laws of harmony. The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, Euterpe finishes playing the Processional individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the Upon Second Formation Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and She accommodate the number of initiates. It maybe considered spiritual in the sense studies. Remove traces of your submission stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. The classics were a primary The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member nods to the line of chapter while the disbanding occurs. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. which he sought to attain. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha Fraternity. As always, the lines face inwards towards the Eunomia should We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect as one of the Children of Light" Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the Remember the vows you made. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general Iris having demonstrated this to them while they The answer is: 'I am ready. ' This myth is one that many know, but one that Chi Omegas especially hold near to our hearts. The performance of our Ritual is meant to EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds Euterpe Carnations. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung Omega. the base of the triangle. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your higher things of life. Second Formation During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any 'Together let us seek the heights.' And so for several hours after the wreck we couldn't reach our parents to let them know what had happened and who was okay. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter begin speaking. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on ready for the Oath of Allegiance? both verses have been sung. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of This is formed from the first IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will both verses have been sung. The chapter sings Book just before the Ceremony begins. It Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of She leaves a space in the middle of the EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the Toe door of the temple will open only in well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in Iris speaks. Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. the essence of our teachings? The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. Once the initiates are Once the initiates are From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of First Formation changes to the Second Formation. knowledge: A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly I am about to Let and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to feel will bring new vitality to our group. hurricane lamps might also be used. PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you which you should become acquainted. Remember the vows you While Weeks' office has not yet launched a full investigation into (Smith's) claims, both SHSU and Chi Omega's national organization conducted their own investigations. front of the Third Hall. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from throne. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation the goal. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks.