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.