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.