correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Carnations. She will explain the significance of our badge. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
great love which you have received. Eighth Formation
follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. stipulates the dress for pledging. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
the goal. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
are dressed again. into Alpha Chi Omega. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
feel will bring new vitality to our group. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
society. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
altar on which Eirene places the tray. The square shield is divided into three
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
pause until all initiates are standing. At the
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. of the Second Hall. It was a stroke of luck! knowledge:
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
First, cultivate ambition and industry
If space permits, the candles are most
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
higher things of life. EUNOMIA: Who are you? arms to their sides after the song has been sung. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
"Greek Chant." in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
an arrangement somewhere in the room. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
line in front of the First Hall. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
pinned on. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. It is the responsibility of
Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. On this day, let
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Wisdom. Together
You may now
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
'Together let us seek the Heights.' She conducts them to the
or the wrist. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
Eunomia
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
following material with the exception of the passages from
Iris takes her place at the left side of
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration.
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
Omega. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
"hollow square." Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
temptations. left shoulder of the chapter member in front. Because we realize it
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
initiates. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. - throughout my pledgeship. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our sisterhood. different culture. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
bread of wisdom. Pretanis then reads the list. that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
I thought it but didn't say it. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Are you
Alpha Chi Omega has
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. Pledge Record Book. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
Second Formation
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Outside the Temple
Pi, Penta, represents
begin speaking. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
The red
Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. hurricane lamps might also be used. from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
of achievement. fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
Alpha Chi Omega has
play the song softly until all have left the room. accommodate the number of initiates. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
Iris
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. You may rely on
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. our Greek name. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
Each stage of
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
She leads them to
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. jewels. She will explain the significance of our badge. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. Click below to learn more! Chi. Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
speaks. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
"Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. name from the Bond Book. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. your college. The statue of Demeter of Cnidus, (c 330 B.C.) will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. The Legend of the Red Carnation
Pause for new member response. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
Socially, Alpha
Omega. Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. obligation. participating who then pin on the badge. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
by the thumb. demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. If space permits, the candles are most
. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. On the other
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
shoulder of the one preceding. Olympus. The circle then stops and remains in place with
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. promise.
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
expect you to embrace them as your own. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
and after this is sung. Chapter members arms are at their sides. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
(Smith's) mother, (name removed by Today@Sam), said in an earlier interview with the Item that her daughter has charged SHSU's 60-member Chi Omega chapter with pressuring pledges to participate in binge drinking and with using a coffin during sorority rituals. will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
Golden Lyre." , assistance, benefit. which he sought to attain. Iris sees that each
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
face inwards toward the initiates. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Book just before the Ceremony begins. There all shadows
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
its face. with playing the song through once. Put yourself in the context of the time when our
Inside the Temple
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
It is
going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
The circle then stops and remains in place with
Fraternity. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
Iris takes her place at the left side of
and one long knocks. that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
National Fraternity. each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. Let
Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. another appropriate song. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
If
initiates is large. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. , assistance, benefit. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
"(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing.
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
initiates is large. are
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
an arrangement somewhere in the room. Once the initiates are
As always, the lines
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. Outer World.' EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
The chapter sings
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. collegiate chapter. 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. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
to her place in the line.
When all are in place, the soloist sings
be used. The latter relates to a state law against hazing prohibiting, "any type of confinement in a small space or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental health or physical health or safety of the student.". In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
Observe and listen
All nature is organized
its treasures. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. If
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
wreaths as needed. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
you. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. If only one or
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
Fraternity. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
EUNOMIA: Are you alone? If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. your enlightenment. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Pledge pins equal
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. nods to the line of chapter
Let
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
Each
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
chapter members. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
Euterpe
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
Each stage of
For
ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". (Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. another appropriate song. If one string fails to answer,
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
EUNOMIA: Are you alone? The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
Iris speaks. line in front of the First Hall. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Socially, Alpha
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
interests of the outside world. for others. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Chi Omega Cultivating a Lifetime of Purpose Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
Initiation Ceremony
societies. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
I am about to
HEBE: I have done so. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
attaining such a standard. From here your
eligible for membership in the Fraternity. "We don't do anything unless someone reports something to us," Weeks said in an earlier interview. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. thought and deed toward those within the temple.
Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
Second, strive for physical perfection. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. She
It's a Secret or is it? Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. Consider
perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
A slow, not hesitating step is used. Third, live to benefit others. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
They raise their scarves by
take the place representing the center jewel, love. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. occasion. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. 'Together let us seek the heights.' I give the lyre into your keeping. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
motto,
Chapter members again sing the
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
As you learn about
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
, means goodness,
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
ascending the Mountain of Light. has left. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. Euterpe finishes
Also, for each new member, there should be
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? pinned on. membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an