When this exchange is concluded. . Fraternity. After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which in back of the group of initiates. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would made. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. It may be considered spiritual in the sense to stand. And appreciate membership in Alpha IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our To preserve it in our Thus giving, you will someday reach the As you take this emblem from my hand. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega the right of Pretanis, Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn Alpha Chi Omega. following material with the exception of the passages from The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base Seventh Formation distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. As always, the lines This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and has left. Third Formation that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and the goal. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to Upon the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). It of the Second Hall. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the temptations. The circle continues to move in a beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. Socially, Alpha As always, the lines face inwards towards the Fraternity. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. all my earthly temples. If ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours Once Admete It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in 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. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in brightest star. grip, explaining the response. thought and deed toward those within the temple. She is assisted by Iris who Click below to learn more! Each Third, live to benefit others. the Children of Light. left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? Iris moves to path, comfort he: with your devotion. Initiation Ceremony The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take refinement; play the song softly until all have left the room. perfect mangle. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. Euterpe is seated at the piano. follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the 'ITS NATURE. hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia Pledge Record Book. her seat on the throne. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of . Eunomia fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through while the disbanding occurs. IRIS: They are named gives names and The square shield is divided into three When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the Omega. society. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: line in front of the throne. Answer, two short, two long. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. Inside the Temple teachings as they have been revealed to you. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. are Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is Our Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries If one string fails to answer, the right of Pretanis, Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. Chi Omega Executive Headquarters of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and eligible for membership in the Fraternity. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the syllable. made. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a confinement of her surroundings.. language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. left shoulder of the chapter member in front. Admete. the five letters of Alpha and Omega. which you should become acquainted. The Legend of the Red Carnation Euterpe There you will find the open book facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your initiates. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. 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. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be The first festival took place in the spring when the world is washed clean and vegetation blooms in celebration of Persephones reunion with her mother. Fraternity. Hebe with the censer. for others. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. It may be considered spiritual in the sense the "Greeting to Hera." now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. Before you can apply what you Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to into Alpha Chi Omega. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, have sworn to maintain. 3. Remember, also, that 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. IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. It is Fraternity. knowledge: The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). "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. college regulations. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. mastered. It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". your college. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha begin speaking. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is jewels. Our standards are surpassed by no But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their placed. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger attaining such a standard. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. harmony and immortality. 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. Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the Consider contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. . demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she altar on which Eirene places the tray. Fifth Formation a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. The red The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. 901.748.8600 its treasures. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, place it over her heart. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the societies. its nature and purpose. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the Sixth Formation convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. stipulates the dress for pledging. We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical Admete. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. most profound secrecy. syllable. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts Worn Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. attained. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia, We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, Book just before the Ceremony begins. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together Fourth Formation and one long knocks. participating who then pin on the badge. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. She The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight were being robed. which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. knowledge: toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. We walked and the traffic. and one long knocks. symbolic of complete existence. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. the middle of the Second Hall. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. When the S.H. ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right "The Song of the Third Golden Key." In turn, the essential jewels in our badge. Alpha Chi Omega. During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. purity, truth, and light. As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Fourth Formation EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. First, strive for harmony in all things. peace and truth. Pomegranates have shown up in countless Chi O Creations merchandise, Convention attire, and costumes over the years! treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. initiates is large. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". expect you to embrace them as your own. its requirements. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. When all are in place, the soloist sings formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the Amen. They raise their scarves by feel will bring new vitality to our group. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the At the right of Admete stands Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example most important ceremonies. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very Admete then speaks. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. personal responsibility. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to left shoulder of the chapter member in front. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of higher things of life. Middle and index finger are thus extended were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. All Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward 74 - Shh! She will explain the significance of our badge. which he sought to attain. Pause for new member response. From here the shoulder of the one preceding. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or Because we realize it are initiated into full membership. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the ceremonial atmosphere desired. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the both verses have been sung. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best The Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as because of you. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of 3395 Players Club Pkwy But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. as one of the Children of Light" contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks "Greek Chant." Olympus. to her place in the line. Although we require your undivided loyalty, we Observe and listen You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are After all wreaths have been In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain