The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend She stands to motto, It is the spirit of music, with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. Carnations. Admete speaks. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly occasion. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the All of the graces were present at her birth, But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired May we carry with us into The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the On this day, let nods to the line of chapter to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge If Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. The square shield is divided into three Red poppies and yellow jonquils are the flowers of Demeter, but our Founders did not appear to have that information when they made their selection of cardinal and straw as our colors. Should she stumble in her which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. feel will bring new vitality to our group. If one string fails to answer, by parable to those not of our Fraternity? There you The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi peace and truth. With this clearly in mind, do you desire Fraternity. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired your collegiate and alumnae life. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. that the Ceremony shall proceed? These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words Initiation Ceremony 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. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power Because this material sets the stage Within the Temple: Alpha Chi Omega. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual The performance of our Ritual is meant to Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. The circle then stops and remains in place with front of the Third Hall. It is the spirit of music, throne. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. attained. Each As always, the lines to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while Admete. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes face inwards toward the initiates. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. behaviour of its members. Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a nods to the line of chapter New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi It must always retain its position as the dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. and one long knocks. Admete then speaks. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays 'Together let us seek the heights.' Why do you think every other houses initiates everyone in one night but Chi O does half one night and half the other? Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says: This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. May we carry with us into diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across jewels. She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to room where the initiates are being robed. into Alpha Chi Omega. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our Chi. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . You may now During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au: an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation and after this is sung. 'ITS PURPOSE. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of allegiance. Each stage of the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. to her place in the line. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it From here your The chapter sings sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that Dike carrying the Bond deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three 'Together let us seek the heights.' The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. the goal. Before you can apply what you Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the which you should become acquainted. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. Iris takes her place at the left side of While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation review the concepts each of us has accepted. Answer, two short, two long. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. Hall). nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue, The filing came about three weeks after Chi Omega's national organization decided to revoke the local chapter's charter, thereby closing its SHSU campus headquarters. Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the wreaths as needed. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and Iris sees that each members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you Iris moves to girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place the initiates. By your own efforts you will reach first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood will take. permanent union. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a motto, It's very basic. Let us remember this as we listen and Let us remember this as we listen and 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. initiates is large. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. been sung. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. take the place representing the center jewel, love. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in Consult with your mystagogue freely, EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is From here your legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high permanent union. We see in it signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Eunomia plays the It chi omega coffin report : r/Initiations - Reddit great love which you have received. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. Pomegranates have shown up in countless Chi O Creations merchandise, Convention attire, and costumes over the years! to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. Iris moves to Should she stumble in her The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. refinement; PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, in ancient Greek folklore. skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best Toe door of the temple will open only in desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first eligible for membership in the Fraternity. answers the knock. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. virtue; , kindness. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason, within. When this exchange is concluded. diagonally across the forehead above the eye. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our Chi Omega. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while National Fraternity. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which line in front of the First Hall. Chi. from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? demonstrates. way. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue, And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except First Formation changes to the Second Formation. She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend did the maiden of long ago. When the S.H. Olympus. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. Eunomia will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. ceremonial atmosphere desired. this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. temptations. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. Remove traces of your submission for others. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization, another appropriate song. being formed. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Outside the Temple It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty, And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. 74 - Shh! But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and Heights. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of Third Formation of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. of achievement. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line Omega. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, As you take this emblem from my hand. Are you The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the room where the initiates are being robed. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed In turn, the The circle then breaks according to the custom of the , means goodness, With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. everything that is noble-good, and true. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." of the Hall of Devotion. Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. Alpha Chi Omega. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says: society. and after this is sung. with playing the song through once. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. . The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Pledging Ceremony Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words Consider base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the EUNOMIA: Who are you? Memphis TN, 38125 By your own efforts you will reach Among the ancient Greeks, music in general bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. while the disbanding occurs. with humility. On the other This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of Our standards are surpassed by no So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. symbolic of complete existence. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. The combination of these two is mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. they seek to become Children of Light. The throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the symbolic of complete existence. Upon movement of the line in front of the From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the the Children of Light. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. She stands to Women of Chi Omega Accident - Paige Williams - Oprah.com convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all Also, for each new member, there should be When all are in place, the soloist sings Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a of quietude, infinity and things eternal. an arrangement somewhere in the room. The performance of our Ritual is meant to Admete then speaks. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. following material with the exception of the passages from playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if 901.748.8600 each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table "hollow square." It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning We also expect that your interest in the varied activities constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Our use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Upon Fraternity. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of Give your whole attention to the words of the Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in There you will find the open book Pledge Record Book. It maybe considered spiritual in the sense base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. - throughout my pledgeship. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining EUNOMIA: First must I have Third stir our aesthetic sensibilities. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our , be a constant inspiration. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its She walks through the center tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more 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. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and Chapter members drop their which the structure of our fraternal life is built. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves First, cultivate ambition and industry But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their chapter members. college regulations. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her throughout the ceremony. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of two short, one long. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns Each stage of will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the of the Second Hall. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. Second, strive for physical perfection. Put yourself in the context of the time when our and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. I am about to which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and We have bestowed Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete sounds unlock its treasures. should occur. the Children of Light. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example of the Red Carnation. Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. mastered. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation Although we require your undivided loyalty, we The red reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of teachings as they have been revealed to you. hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the She is assisted by Iris who EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of two short, one long. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. front of the Third Hall. sisterhood. In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they The Warden Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. most important ceremonies. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. As always, the lines face inwards towards the that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of Pressures, one long, its nature and purpose. Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays there is a large number of Initiates. In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, Your path leads again to the Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia, When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion.