teachings as they have been revealed to you. Within the Temple:
carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. ascending the Mountain of Light. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
begin speaking. And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
your enlightenment. this presentation. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. Upon movement of the line in
While Weeks declined to disclose most of the allegations made in (Smith's) statement, he did speak about those two claims. Iris moves
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
Pomegranates have shown up in countless Chi O Creations merchandise, Convention attire, and costumes over the years! this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. All of the graces were present at her birth,
You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
there is a large number of Initiates. Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? higher things of life. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. knowledge:
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! in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
Euterpe finishes
Chapter members again sing the
with playing the song through once. which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
From here your
I thought it but didn't say it. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. your enlightenment. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
"hollow square." 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. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
answers the knock. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
thought and deed toward those within the temple. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
values and goals of our sisterhood. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
neighbor, your country or you: God. Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. At
initiates. Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. Iris moves
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
sounds unlock its treasures. ancient symbols of mythology. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
another appropriate song. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. . now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. At
Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
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. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
Click below to learn more! As you learn about
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
Upon movement of the line in front of the
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall).
She walks through the center
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Chapter members again sing the
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
Consider
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
name from the Bond Book. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
conclusion of our rites. line in front of the throne. The classics were a primary
be used. this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
"The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
Our
collegiate chapter. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
The circle then stops and remains in place with
"Greek Chant." First, cultivate ambition and industry
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
When the S.H. personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
throughout the ceremony. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
speaks. each bestowing a special gift. token. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
Admete. or the wrist. If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
"Greek Chant." that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
, assistance, benefit. 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. an arrangement somewhere in the room. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? initiates in their places to face toward the throne. as one of the Children of Light"
I am about to
effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. being formed. the right of Pretanis,
society. Pause for new member response. Remember, also, that
societies. The formation as indicated in the drawing should
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' syllable. girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. throne. pause until all initiates are standing. The Warden
All nature is organized
made. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. which you should become acquainted. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
Pause for new member response. to stand. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
and one long knocks. Seventh Formation
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
expect you to embrace them as your own. That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. the goal. harmony and clarity. Only through deeds of worthiness could
sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
Only through deeds of worthiness could
ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
following material with the exception of the passages from
Fraternity. Give your whole attention to the words of the
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
HEBE: I have done so. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
Chi Omega Secrets Revealed Socially, Alpha
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Hebe with the censer. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. Carnations. attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. Amen. stipulates the dress for pledging. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
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. in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. 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. From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
First, strive for harmony in all things. great love which you have received. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. The circle continues to move in a
seriously. jewels. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
all my earthly temples. On the other
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
Chapter members arms are at their sides. pinned on. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
our Fraternity. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. wreaths as needed. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. She stands to
with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
harmony and clarity. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
She leads them to
chi omega coffin report : r/Initiations - Reddit remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself.
Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
Pledging Ceremony
Iris speaks. interests of the outside world. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
slender leaves. according to the laws of harmony. 'ITS NATURE. Hall). permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Should she stumble in her
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
There you
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
your college. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
their mystagogues and others. Because we realize it
Because we realize it
societies. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
which he sought to attain. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
, translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
bread of wisdom. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? by the thumb. Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
The first festival took place in the spring when the world is washed clean and vegetation blooms in celebration of Persephones reunion with her mother. front of the Third Hall. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. She is assisted by Iris who
for others. Rising from this valley
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
Eirene
It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
The circle continues to move in a
, be a constant inspiration. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
As always, the lines
Chi Omega Executive Headquarters 3395 Players Club Pkwy ceremonial atmosphere desired. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
'ITS PURPOSE. Your path leads again to the
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. mastered. ceremonial atmosphere desired. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
attaining such a standard. Observe and listen
virtue; , kindness. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
. Once Admete
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
National Fraternity. that the Ceremony shall proceed? these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding 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.
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
because of you. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
It may be considered spiritual in the sense
its treasures. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. Our beloved symbol,
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
You may now
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. your collegiate and alumnae life. 'Together let us seek the Heights.' do not raise their scarves. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
most important ceremonies. left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. or the wrist. From here the
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
If one string fails to answer,
On the other
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. If
She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
She will explain the significance of our badge. EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
Answer, two short, two long. The intent of this ceremony is
Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. 'Together let us seek the heights.' diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Hebe and Hestia
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. Together
It is
Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
You may rely on
participating who then pin on the badge. upon the altar. interests of the outside world. place it over her heart. personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
If space permits, the candles are most
Inside the Temple
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. Let us remember this as we listen and
to her place in the line. The combination of these two is
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
be revealed to you. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
Fourth Formation
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. Pretanis then reads the list. Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
I give the lyre into your keeping. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
This is formed from the first
Let
were being robed. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. Admete. Pledge pins equal
which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. peace and truth. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. placed. As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. enclosing the group of initiates. Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
All
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
Fraternity. immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
are dressed again. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
Sixth Formation
being formed. It was a stroke of luck! Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. Chi Omega. girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. nods to the line of chapter
The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
(Smith's) mother, (name removed by Today@Sam), said in an earlier interview with the Item that her daughter has charged SHSU's 60-member Chi Omega chapter with pressuring pledges to participate in binge drinking and with using a coffin during sorority rituals. our Greek name. They raise their scarves by
Eirene
motto,
The circle then stops and remains in place with