Heights. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. they seek to become Children of Light. Alpha Chi Omega. The circle then breaks according to the custom of the
From here your
Ceremony. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
It is red, cut by a bar of green. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. Iris sees that each
all my earthly temples. Olympus. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
our Fraternity. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. peace and truth. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
She leads them to
Once the initiates are
and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. sisterhood. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
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. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
each bestowing a special gift. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
Wisdom. Fraternity. altar on which Eirene places the tray. place it over her heart. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
At the right of Admete stands
the essence of our teachings? DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
both verses have been sung. and after this is sung. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
It is the spirit of music,
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. are
For
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. everything that is noble-good, and true. refinement;
teachings. "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. Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
'Together let us seek the heights.' An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
Dike. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
Dike. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
On this day, let
knowledge:
She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
of Strife. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . 'ITS PURPOSE.
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
correct understanding of its nature and purpose. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
the initiates outside the temple. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
After all wreaths have been
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
which he sought to attain. Euterpe
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. knowledge:
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
slender leaves. immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
its face. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. sounds unlock its treasures. While Weeks declined to disclose most of the allegations made in (Smith's) statement, he did speak about those two claims. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
great love which you have received. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
Because we realize it
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
Let us remember this as we listen and
It may be considered spiritual in the sense
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
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 about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
chapter members. being formed. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name,
Third, live to benefit others. ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
harmony and clarity. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
Chapter members drop their
that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
This is formed from the first
On this day, let
She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? its treasures. symbolic of complete existence. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
Eighth Formation
do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
enclosing the group of initiates. From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. will take. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
1m can but lead the wav. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
May we carry with us into
Consider
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
Euterpe
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. society. Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
Outer World.' PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. We walked and the traffic. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
The Warden
an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
to the Fraternity and your initiation. to her place in the line. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
Fraternity. the "Greeting to Hera."
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
The Legend of the Red Carnation
permanent union. lyre left open. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Pretanis then reads the list. 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. answers the knock. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
within. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
permanent union. way. while the disbanding occurs. playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
Fifth Formation
She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. Alpha Chi Omega. Initiation Ceremony
bread of wisdom. The classics were a primary
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. Once the initiates are
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. the base of the triangle.
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. the initiates. At
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
The initiates
throne. Alpha Chi Omega. If one string fails to answer,
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
Second, strive for physical perfection. Once Admete
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
of the Second Hall. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
by the thumb. First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. and one long knocks. Iris
confinement of her surroundings.. Before you can apply what you
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
college regulations. And appreciate membership in Alpha
At the
we must not mar. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. room where the initiates are being robed. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. promise.
Our standards are surpassed by no
perfect mangle. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
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
beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. The combination of these two is
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
hurricane lamps might also be used. continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
Upon
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Outside the Temple
The initiates
The intent of this ceremony is
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
candidate for initiation. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond.
we must not mar. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
Only through deeds of worthiness could
Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. She leaves a space in the middle of the
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
different culture. Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. If
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. This ancient background is reflected in the attire
occasion. following material with the exception of the passages from
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. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
All
chapter tradition. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
It is
Second Formation
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. Chi Omega. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012.
IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Co-operation.' This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
in back of the group of initiates. upon the altar. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. you. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. other fraternity. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. initiates is large. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. were being robed. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. Euterpe is seated at the piano. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
way they can to help you learn, understand. ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. our Greek name. Carnations. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
Initiates repeat: I am ready.
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
with humility. 'ITS NATURE. For
above the eyebrow line of the eye. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
perfect mangle. remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. ascending the Mountain of Light. Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
Each
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
The circle then stops and remains in place with
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. The chapter sings
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? Heights. As always, the lines
It was a stroke of luck! hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. has left. It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
Our
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. Fourth Formation
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
Eunomia follows the line of
its requirements. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
name from the Bond Book. Upon
Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. Before you can apply what you
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
collegiate chapter. Alpha Chi Omega. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. National Fraternity. conclusion of our rites. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
speaks. Pressures, one long,
After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
All of the graces were present at her birth,
It's very basic. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. By your own efforts you will reach
both verses have been sung. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. Dike carrying the Bond
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. There all shadows
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Behold the
The grip should be covered with two hands. throne. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Iris moves to
If only one or
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
eligible for membership in the Fraternity. that the Ceremony shall proceed? hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
the initiates. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
of the Hall of Devotion. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
begin speaking. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. . The circle continues to move in a
Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted.
face inwards toward the initiates. Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. purity, truth, and light. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
These are to be
confinement of her surroundings.. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
In turn, the
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. Remember the vows you
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced.
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