be used. Worn
of the Hall of Devotion. Remember the vows you
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
The
their mystagogues and others. Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
higher things of life. hurricane lamps might also be used. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
two short, one long. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
chiomega@chiomega.com. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Before you can apply what you
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. The Legend of the Red Carnation
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
conclusion of our rites. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
Hebe and Hestia
Each
seriously. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
As you learn about
Iris sees that each
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
nods to the line of chapter
And appreciate membership in Alpha
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
should occur. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. within. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. Upon
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
occasion. Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
It's very basic. From here your
Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. teachings. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
Ceremony room. Our beloved symbol,
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
Eighth Formation
The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. . Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
bread of wisdom. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
sisterhood. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
A slow, not hesitating step is used. being formed. Outside the Temple
To preserve it in our
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Initiates repeat: I am ready. Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
I violate these pledges. It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
I violate these pledges. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
Fraternity. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. your college. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. The circle then stops and remains in place with
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
with playing the song through once. Euterpe finishes
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. 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 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
EUNOMIA: Who are you? Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
unlock its treasures. It is
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
Pledging Ceremony
74 - Shh! should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. behaviour of its members. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. play the song softly until all have left the room. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity.
ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. of the Second Hall. harmony and clarity. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
She leaves a space in the middle of the
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. Heights. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
Fifth 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. Book just before the Ceremony begins. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
face inwards toward the initiates. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
the Children of Light. pinned on. They raise their scarves by
at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
an arrangement somewhere in the room. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omegas Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek mythology for years and is well -known by many. down to us. the essence of our teachings? step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. that the Ceremony shall proceed? PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
are initiated into full membership.
First, strive for harmony in all things. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony.
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
way. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
wreaths as needed. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. Iris
different culture. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
been sung. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Admete. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
other fraternity. In turn, the
Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
lyre left open. Our beloved symbol,
It is red, cut by a bar of green. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. Golden Lyre." At the right of Admete stands
Carnations. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
ancient symbols of mythology. placed. the goal. temple through this hall. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. both verses have been sung. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. teachings. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
harmony and immortality. anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
First, cultivate ambition and industry
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
Iris moves
Iris speaks. assignments. the base of the triangle. its nature and purpose. Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Once Admete
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. be used. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
Each
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. Having received. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
Chapter members again sing the
The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
"Alpha
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. Let
It is
, means goodness,
of quietude, infinity and things eternal. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
initiates. Toe door of the temple will open only in
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
Iris takes her place at the left side of
the initiates outside the temple. exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. speaks. All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. Admete then speaks. their mystagogues and others. different culture. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. Let
Your path leads again to the
token. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
She stands to
each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
name from the Bond Book. promise.
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
chapter members. If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. Book just before the Ceremony begins. your enlightenment. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
participating who then pin on the badge. symbolic of complete existence. 'ITS PURPOSE. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. , assistance, benefit. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
After all wreaths have been
speaks. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. From here your
As always, the lines
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
Iris sees that each
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
Pledge pins equal
attained. Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Eunomia plays the
demonstrates. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
The Legend of the Red Carnation
Are you
chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
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. throughout the ceremony. syllable. skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
initiates in their places to face toward the throne.
We walked and the traffic. its requirements. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
our Fraternity. Chi. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
Socially, Alpha
Eunomia plays the
Give your whole attention to the words of the
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
initiates is large. Upon movement of the line in
Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Alpha Chi Omega. Eunomia follows the line of
The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
It is
new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. She
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
All
Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
When this exchange is concluded. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. slender leaves. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. "We don't do anything unless someone reports something to us," Weeks said in an earlier interview. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
The intent of this ceremony is
Initiation Ceremony
The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. Let us remember this as we listen and
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
If space permits, the candles are most
When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
hers as well to form the scroll. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her.
feel will bring new vitality to our group. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. 901.748.8600 this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. acts in the fields of the furore. It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
symbolic of complete existence. 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. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. and after this is sung. your enlightenment. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? (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. "Greek Chant." Upon this scroll is inscribed
Pretanis then reads the list. societies. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced.
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