This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. sounds unlock its treasures. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
we must not mar. into Alpha Chi Omega. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? She
As always, the lines
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
Euterpe is seated at the piano. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
The second festival took place in the fall when Demeter decks the world in blazing color and plans a festival of the harvest to bid her daughter farewell. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. front of the Third Hall. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living.
Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
participating who then pin on the badge. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Alpha Chi Omega. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
Let us remember this as we listen and
anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
societies. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. On the other
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
Euterpe is seated at the piano. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
It is
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. Pledging Ceremony
, be a constant inspiration. If
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. The grip should be covered with two hands. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
It is the spirit of music,
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
chapter members. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. attained. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
3395 Players Club Pkwy undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omegas Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek mythology for years and is well -known by many. Carnations. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
You may rely on
initiates. The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. I violate these pledges. teachings. been sung. the base of the triangle. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Thus, through her noble
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. especially in time of need. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
Remember the vows you
begin speaking. After all wreaths have been
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
you must give in order that the great law of compensation
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
The classics were a primary
First, cultivate ambition and industry
Olympus. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. Co-operation.' slender leaves. As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
She set forth
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
within. Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Initiates repeat: I am ready. above the eyebrow line of the eye. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Amen.
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). temptations. Fraternity. peace and truth. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
societies. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Iris sees that each
to stand. all my earthly temples. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Crowning these with our open
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
you.
Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table.
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
HEBE: I have done so. Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. "Alpha
Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
, means goodness,
Omega. or the wrist. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
Chi. by the thumb. All nature is organized
It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
The answer is, 'I do.
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Having received. Put yourself in the context of the time when our
It
It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. acts in the fields of the furore. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
IRIS: They are named gives names and
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
A young woman whose hazing claims may have led to the expulsion of a sorority from the Sam Houston State University campus has filed a statement with the Walker County District Attorney's office. We see in it
The Warden
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Once the initiates are
DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
down to us. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. participating who then pin on the badge. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
Hall). hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Let
Crowning these with our open
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Carnations. Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
Admete speaks. be revealed to you. They raise their scarves by
And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
according to the laws of harmony. pause until all initiates are standing. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
Ceremony room. . Upon this scroll is inscribed
There all shadows
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
All
Fraternity. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
"It wasn't closed or anything like that. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. accommodate the number of initiates. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
"Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
pinned on. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. great love which you have received.
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates.
Should she stumble in her
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. It
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. She leads them to
for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. down to us. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
Chi omega initiation ritual coffin - tntld.crush-rock.de 3. highest attainments. Once the initiates are
discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. The circle then stops and remains in place with
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. 'ITS NATURE. National Fraternity. takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. HEBE: I have done so. As always, the lines face inwards towards the
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
Together
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. 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. Euterpe finishes
going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
Pretanis then reads the list. of Strife. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
do not raise their scarves. There you
pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. your enlightenment. Chi Omega. Initiation Ceremony
you must give in order that the great law of compensation
Before you can apply what you
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. I am about to
She
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. bread of wisdom. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' wreaths as needed. you. by the thumb. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. temple through this hall. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. this emblem and give it into your keeping. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
The Warden
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
the goal. Each stage of
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Arise. Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. the "Greeting to Hera." of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
ascending the Mountain of Light. or the wrist. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
Once Admete
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. Each
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
of Strife. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
and face the base of the lyre, i.e. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. Open Book. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. everything that is noble-good, and true. Fifth Formation
Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
From here your
forward to stand near Hebe. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. "Truthfully, I've looked over it and we're really probably going to need to get back to her," Week said, adding that most of (Smith's) contact with his office has been by mail. Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . It's very basic. of the Hall of Devotion.
Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
Thus, through her noble
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
before the new members are brought into the room. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
The initiates
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
Third Formation
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
Are you
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
Upon
with all mankind. place it over her heart.
throne. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. These are to be
Let us remember this as we listen and
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
Euterpe
Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
wreaths as needed. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
Initiates and chapter members, led by
chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
name from the Bond Book. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. syllable. Eunomia should
- throughout my pledgeship. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
throughout the ceremony. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. All nature is organized
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
to her place in the line. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
When this exchange is concluded. At the
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. forward to stand near Hebe.
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
Within the Temple:
A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. She leaves a space in the middle of the
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
It is red, cut by a bar of green. At
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. Pi, Penta, represents
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. As you take this emblem from my hand. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Dike carrying the Bond
be used. with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. To preserve it in our
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. behaviour of its members. refinement;
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. The red
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
'ITS PURPOSE. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
for others. Socially, Alpha
Eunomia follows the line of
are initiated into full membership. Alpha Chi Omega. Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Let
At the
The square shield is divided into three
Memphis TN, 38125 of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. to her place in the line. our Fraternity. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. Upon
the five letters of Alpha and Omega. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. Initiation Ceremony
She stands to
ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Chi Omega Cultivating a Lifetime of Purpose Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. As you take this emblem from my hand. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. hurricane lamps might also be used. our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. stipulates the dress for pledging. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. slender leaves. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin.
thought and deed toward those within the temple. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. with playing the song through once. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
as one of the Children of Light"
Hebe with the censer. You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
with humility. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
Initiation Ceremony
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
Fraternity. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. higher things of life. permanent union. this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret.