From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
If one string fails to answer,
given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. 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. been sung. initiates. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
into Alpha Chi Omega. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
harmony and clarity. symbolic of complete existence. In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
motto,
As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
Admete then speaks. Let
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology.
as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
obligation. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
You may now
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
It must always retain its position as the
Alpha Chi Omega. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. 'ITS NATURE. 'Together let us seek the heights.' She
Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
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. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
We have bestowed
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
, means goodness,
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. been sung. Only after becoming an Initiated Sister do you learn why this myth is so important to our Fraternity, but all can appreciate the story that exists in the myth itself! of Strife. confinement of her surroundings.. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
Consider
If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple.
Third, live to benefit others. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
Memphis TN, 38125 that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
mastered. Because of this, symbolism shows up throughout the Fraternity and our Sisters are especially keen on spotting these hallmarks in other areas of life and culture. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
Fraternity. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
At the
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
to her place in the line. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. purity, truth, and light. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. thought and deed toward those within the temple. Fraternity. now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
preferred dress. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
The initiates
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Initiates repeat: I am ready. face inwards toward the initiates. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
It is the spirit of music,
Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. ceremonial atmosphere desired. of the Red Carnation. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
the essence of our teachings? She stands to
Upon
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
She leaves a space in the middle of the
By your own efforts you will reach
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
Iris moves
National Fraternity. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
ancient symbols of mythology. And appreciate membership in Alpha
Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. Within the Temple:
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
Upon movement of the line in
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
3395 Players Club Pkwy 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 . token. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
Dike. The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Each
virtue; , kindness. On the other
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
in ancient Greek folklore. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
Inside the Temple
He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. begin speaking. sisterhood.
Carnations. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom.
ascending the Mountain of Light. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. of the Second Hall. take the place representing the center jewel, love. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
perfect mangle. while the disbanding occurs. Because this material sets the stage
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
As always, the lines
Iris moves to
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
enclosing the group of initiates. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
All of the graces were present at her birth,
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
Chi Omega Secrets Revealed now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. each bestowing a special gift. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom.
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
In turn, the
their mystagogues and others. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
Our standards are surpassed by no
The red
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
Upon movement of the line in front of the
our Greek name. grip, explaining the response. your college. the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. Eunomia plays the
brightest star. There you will find the open book
"The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the
Should she stumble in her
following material with the exception of the passages from
At the right of Admete stands
Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
Answer, two short, two long. this presentation. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
permanent union. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
Fraternity. Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
Fraternity. personal responsibility. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". to stand. both verses have been sung. all my earthly temples. harmony and immortality. "Greek Chant." Initiation Ceremony
temple through this hall. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' her seat on the throne. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
with playing the song through once. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
conclusion of our rites. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
'ITS PURPOSE. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
feel will bring new vitality to our group. initiates. hers as well to form the scroll. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
Are you
- throughout my pledgeship. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
play the song softly until all have left the room. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. Within the Temple:
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. Sixth Formation
. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
Remember, also, that
Each stage of
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. the initiates. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. The Warden
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
Omega. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. values and goals of our sisterhood. It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
Fifth Formation
The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
eligible for membership in the Fraternity. EUNOMIA: Who are you? As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. assignments. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. arms to their sides after the song has been sung. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
She will explain the significance of our badge. From here the
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
mastered. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
knowledge:
conclusion of our rites. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
line in front of the throne. Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. essential jewels in our badge.
Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
It's very basic. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. It was a stroke of luck! her seat on the throne. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced.
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. The Warden
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
altar on which Eirene places the tray. Socially, Alpha
Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
according to the laws of harmony. This ancient background is reflected in the attire
Pi, Penta, represents
Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
All nature is organized
The answer is, 'I do.
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
Pi, Penta, represents
Middle and index finger are thus extended
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. The intent of this ceremony is
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. We have bestowed
pinned on.
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
"It wasn't closed or anything like that. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
Remember the vows you
speaks. Heights. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. with all mankind. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." upon the altar. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
with humility. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
attaining such a standard.
The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
symbolic of complete existence. collegiate chapter. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
Alpha Chi Omega. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
Eunomia
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
Outside the Temple
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
Admete speaks. Initiates and chapter members, led by
"Greek Chant." diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation