Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
that the Ceremony shall proceed? , assistance, benefit. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. Also, for each new member, there should be
May we carry with us into
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
place it over her heart. the base of the triangle. name from the Bond Book. ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. been sung. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
wreaths as needed. Give your whole attention to the words of the
Eunomia should
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
upon the altar. .
The intent of this ceremony is
Let
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
Each
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. grip, explaining the response. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Pretanis then reads the list. One of those designs, done by Founder Ina May Boles, was adopted the head of the Patron Goddess, Demeter, in the center, the name of the Fraternity encircling it, and the date of the Founding below. our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high.
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
The combination of these two is
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
74 - Shh! to stand. Eunomia plays the
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
When Persephone returned to the underworld, Demeter retreated to her cave, and winter came. After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
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. wreaths as needed. are dressed again.
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. and one long knocks. Omega. If
sounds unlock its treasures. will take. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Dike carrying the Bond
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. Hebe with the censer. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
On the other
the Children of Light. promise.
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. hers as well to form the scroll. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
ascending the Mountain of Light. DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
personal responsibility. The Warden
When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
It
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
your collegiate and alumnae life. IRIS: They are named gives names and
skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. , be a constant inspiration. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
another appropriate song. you. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
our Fraternity. 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. speaks. temple through this hall. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
Upon this scroll is inscribed
her seat on the throne. It is the spirit of music,
ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
Initiation Ceremony
DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
She
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. which the structure of our fraternal life is built. 'ITS NATURE. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
3. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
Because we realize it
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
Worn
Ceremony. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
She conducts them to the
After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them
initiates. begin speaking. jewels. Give your whole attention to the words of the
thought and deed toward those within the temple. Book just before the Ceremony begins. From here the
IRIS: They are named gives names and
Let us remember this as we listen and
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
Omega. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. neighbor, your country or you: God. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Outer World.' Behold the
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
placed. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. been sung. (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. to stand. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. grip, explaining the response. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
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 As always, the lines face inwards towards the
in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
Third, live to benefit others. obligation. In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
"This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. line in front of the throne. distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. We walked and the traffic. Pretanis then reads the list. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining
At the right of Admete stands
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
At the Chicago Convention in 1908, Mary Wright Bain, then S.M., presented designs for a more elaborate seal. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
the goal. By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Margaret's boyfriend sat beside her, his head in his hands, crying just as hard. did the maiden of long ago. mastered. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. your collegiate and alumnae life. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Having received. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. Open Book. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. before the new members are brought into the room. Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
Pause for new member response. Eirene
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
the five letters of Alpha and Omega. purity, truth, and light. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Crowning these with our open
PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
hurricane lamps might also be used. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
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. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. token. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
Remember, also, that
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
you. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
neighbor, your country or you: God. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
Inside the Temple
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. Admete then speaks. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
You may now
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega initiates. Upon movement of the line in front of the
places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? initiates. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. Wisdom. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
Fourth Formation
ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Outside the Temple
I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
initiates. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. Then they raise their left arms, holding the
privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
in back of the group of initiates. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
At the
Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
Admete then speaks.
Your path leads again to the
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
To preserve it in our
She
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
Hall). sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
ancient symbols of mythology. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
Let us remember this as we listen and
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. 'ITS NATURE. Heights. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. Eirene
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
placed. These are to be
As you learn about
acts in the fields of the furore. Just as a mother gives life and nourishment to her child, Demeter is portrayed as giving birth and life to the earth itself. National Fraternity. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
hers as well to form the scroll. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Chi Omega When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
temptations. Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. This ancient background is reflected in the attire
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. If space permits, the candles are most
Ceremony. the right of Pretanis,
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. Thus, through her noble
chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
She leads them to
attained. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
There you will find the open book
'ITS PURPOSE. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
"Alpha
Euterpe is seated at the piano. most important ceremonies. to the Fraternity and your initiation. She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. the essence of our teachings? above the eyebrow line of the eye. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
has left. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
be used. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
The square shield is divided into three
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
If only one or
Heights. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. Rising from this valley
the "Greeting to Hera." direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. most important ceremonies. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. were being robed. throne. will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
May we carry with us into
our Greek name. symbolic of complete existence. Euterpe
way they can to help you learn, understand. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
Eunomia should
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
, means goodness,
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
"It wasn't what we needed. counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Hall). Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. Fraternity. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
token. When this exchange is concluded. All nature is organized
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
the "Greeting to Hera." If one string fails to answer,
Once Admete
we must not mar. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. There you
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
We have bestowed
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. National Fraternity. personal responsibility. Middle and index finger are thus extended
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
She leads them to
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. 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. Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
Also, for each new member, there should be
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
It
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
Upon
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
with humility. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
All
They raise their scarves by
Answer, two short, two long. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
Each
the initiates outside the temple. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
She walks through the center
Your path leads again to the
All nature is organized
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
of the Red Carnation. 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. throughout the ceremony. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Eunomia
front of the Third Hall. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
mastered. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. into Alpha Chi Omega. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
"Alpha
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. When all are in place, the soloist sings
Olympus. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
I give the lyre into your keeping. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
The initiates
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
Dike. being formed. of achievement. cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built.