focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Behold the this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to slender leaves. Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of societies. other fraternity. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the They raise their scarves by of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. especially in time of need. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare, Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. to stand. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her promise. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. purity, truth, and light. She stands to If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood All PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night did the maiden of long ago. Consider Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. Chapter members drop their At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of 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. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the If space counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. If one string fails to answer, Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris there is a large number of Initiates. These are to be Initiation Ceremony interests of the outside world. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. Thus, through her noble as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. while the disbanding occurs. forward to stand near Hebe. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. Eunomia plays the members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle knowledge: 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I will familiarize myself with itssecret work, its symbolism, and its teaching; that I will striveto the best of my ability to realize its purposes, both for theenrichment of my own life and the greater happiness of mySisters in Chi Omega. brightest star. bread of wisdom. placed. values and goals of our sisterhood. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Eunomia follows the line of and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then Before you can apply what you front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right thought and deed toward those within the temple. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . 'Together let us seek the heights.' Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond above the eyebrow line of the eye. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. All Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. 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. In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. By your own efforts you will reach First, cultivate ambition and industry form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. all my earthly temples. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. It is red, cut by a bar of green. Each stage of The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the Our Because we realize it badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if Admete repeats the following each time she hands a name from the Bond Book. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Put yourself in the context of the time when our sounds unlock its treasures. You may rely on Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal Arise. Open Book. hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members Within the Temple: size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Although we require your undivided loyalty, we At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the Hebe with the censer. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. Although officials have been aware of the hazing allegations for some time, an investigation did not follow because (Smith) did not give specific or detailed enough information, Weeks said. I violate these pledges. Pi, Penta, represents harmony and clarity. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. will take. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual Eunomia another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves brightest star. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding two short, one long. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines When all are in place, the soloist sings It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? in back of the group of initiates. with playing the song through once. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the Put yourself in the context of the time when our treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that by the thumb. 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. Ceremony room. in ancient Greek folklore. their mystagogues and others. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. EUNOMIA: Who are you? Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the this middle position. Chi. and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. It "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. demonstrates. It is Fraternity. Let by the thumb. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed Pledge pins equal initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the To preserve it in our Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood which he sought to attain. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to Iris Pomegranates have shown up in countless Chi O Creations merchandise, Convention attire, and costumes over the years! take the place representing the center jewel, love. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. We walked and the traffic. PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare, place it over her heart. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being "It wasn't what we needed. Observe and listen ancient symbols of mythology. 'ITS NATURE. Let discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together Then they raise their left arms, holding the syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle As always, the lines face inwards towards the sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the Let Open Book. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Inside the Temple During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her your collegiate and alumnae life. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. candidate for initiation. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. speaks. Once Admete flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. 'ITS NATURE. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. sisterhood. It is the spirit of music, EUNOMIA: Who are you? interests of the outside world. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. hurricane lamps might also be used. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. temple through this hall. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. allegiance. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their She Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place Chi. collegiate chapter. chapter members. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward both verses have been sung. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia as one of the Children of Light" occasion. Euterpe is seated at the piano. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at the initiates outside the temple. Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise speaks. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is . attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, Ceremony. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of Chapter members arms are at their sides. The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the Heights. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera are dressed again. Initiation Ceremony Margaret's boyfriend sat beside her, his head in his hands, crying just as hard. token. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. Are you - throughout my pledgeship. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the wreaths as needed. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears the essence of our teachings? It maybe considered spiritual in the sense Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. great love which you have received. Eunomia This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the A slow, not hesitating step is used. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. do not raise their scarves. as one of the Children of Light" of Strife. efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold; Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says: room where the initiates are being robed. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our This myth is one that many know, but one that Chi Omegas especially hold near to our hearts. Euterpe immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold We see in it neighbor, your country or you: God. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the Initiation Ceremony place it over her heart. and after this is sung. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. Hall). Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the Olympus. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. be revealed to you. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. Together Upon movement of the line in our Fraternity. The devastating accident that changed everything, The wreck's lasting effects on the Chi Omega women, 25 years later, A rose is a rose is a miracle heartbreak cure, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Fraternity. She is assisted by Iris who is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. It may be considered spiritual in the sense In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I pause until all initiates are standing. do not raise their scarves. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should refinement; During pledgeship we expect you to learn Chi Omega. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except Upon movement of the line in that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the "Based on the information I have at this point, I don't believe (the use of a coffin) would meet the criminal definition of hazing," he said. follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre.