Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
perfect mangle. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
'ITS NATURE. its treasures. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. 1994
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
Are you
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. Chapter members drop their
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
Also, for each new member, there should be
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. begin speaking. with playing the song through once. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. "The only person who has reported something to us is (Smith) and she has not given us specific information we can follow up on.". Because this material sets the stage
and after this is sung. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology.
speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Co-operation.' There you
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. First, cultivate ambition and industry
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
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 Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. Let
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
the Children of Light. Eunomia
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
It is the spirit of music,
EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
It is the spirit of music,
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? ascending the Mountain of Light. Let
Hall). each bestowing a special gift. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
her seat on the throne. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. chapter tradition. - throughout my pledgeship. syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
motto,
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
Sixth Formation
Fifth Formation
, means goodness,
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
"Alpha
Pressures, one long,
line in front of the throne. May we carry with us into
to stand. thought and deed toward those within the temple. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
(Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. room where the initiates are being robed. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. If only one or
allegiance. Remove traces of your submission Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
assignments. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
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. Dike carrying the Bond
Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. the essence of our teachings? these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
the five letters of Alpha and Omega. Fraternity. First, strive for harmony in all things. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
Pledge Record Book. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. Having received. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. Chi Omega. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
your college. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
and face the base of the lyre, i.e. hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members
Book just before the Ceremony begins. mastered. Pledging Ceremony
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
syllable. especially in time of need. personal responsibility. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
Pledge Record Book. Chi Omega. Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. Together
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
lyre left open. Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
Thus, through her noble
into Alpha Chi Omega. Observe and listen
'Together let us seek the Heights.' of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. On the other
Eunomia should
Second, strive for physical perfection. Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
teachings. will take. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
For
everything that is noble-good, and true. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
according to the laws of harmony. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
Fraternity. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. speaks. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. essential jewels in our badge. Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. thought and deed toward those within the temple. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
throughout the ceremony. Hebe with the censer. . the middle of the Second Hall. We have bestowed
Iris speaks. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
Because we realize it
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. When this exchange is concluded. initiates is large. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. initiates. Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. there is a large number of Initiates. . Consider
Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
Toe door of the temple will open only in
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
There you will find the open book
Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. The circle then stops and remains in place with
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. or the wrist. path, comfort he: with your devotion. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
Euterpe
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. Omega. our Greek name. Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
Hebe and Hestia
placed. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
We have bestowed
If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Before you can apply what you
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. She set forth
In the first hundred years of the faith, it was a secret sign for Christians to identify themselves to each other and was used in catacomb art from the c. Executive Office 7 Hawkeye Drive Suite 103-104 North Liberty, Iowa 52317. their mystagogues and others. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris.
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
your collegiate and alumnae life. IRIS: They are named gives names and
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. Golden Lyre." new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
we must not mar. different culture. each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
of quietude, infinity and things eternal. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. pinned on. Euterpe
After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
Our beloved symbol,
reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
At
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
She stands to
As always, the lines face inwards towards the
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . She stands to
She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
Wisdom. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Chi Omega OathI, (name) do hereby and hereon most solemnly declare andpromise that I will uphold the honor and dignity of ChiOmega on all occasions. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
do not raise their scarves. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. that the Ceremony shall proceed? "hollow square." At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
its nature and purpose. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
It
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Second Formation
Let us remember this as we listen and
If
3. Toe door of the temple will open only in
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
'Together let us seek the heights.' Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
Only through deeds of worthiness could
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
It may be considered spiritual in the sense
Within the Temple:
Carnations. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
Eunomia
knowledge:
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
In this valley dwelt a maiden. are dressed again. participating who then pin on the badge. accommodate the number of initiates. token. to her place in the line. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
Carnations. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
peace and truth. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
throne. When this exchange is concluded. Euterpe is seated at the piano. Sixth Formation
I violate these pledges. 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. above the eyebrow line of the eye.
To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. occasion. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
which you should become acquainted.
Third, live to benefit others. Upon
front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
All nature is organized
When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
Third Formation
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
As always, the lines
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. Second, strive for physical perfection. college regulations. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. harmony and clarity. our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Initiation Ceremony
Our beloved symbol,
great love which you have received. attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. essential jewels in our badge. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. has left. personal responsibility. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. front of the Third Hall. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
front of the Third Hall. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. The square shield is divided into three
according to the laws of harmony. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
The statue of Demeter of Cnidus, (c 330 B.C.) those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
each bestowing a special gift. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
for others. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
while the disbanding occurs. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' permanent union. with all mankind. being formed. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete.
the initiates. Alpha Chi Omega has
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Each
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
Worn
and face the base of the lyre, i.e.
[email protected].
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
of achievement. 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! Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. Heights. neighbor, your country or you: God. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
If one string fails to answer,
You may rely on
The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
Worn
feel will bring new vitality to our group. 'ITS PURPOSE. Initiates and chapter members, led by
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
Initiation Ceremony
wreaths as needed. altar on which Eirene places the tray. Ceremony room. Eunomia
collegiate chapter. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
The grip should be covered with two hands. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
hers as well to form the scroll. this middle position. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,