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anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. Upon movement of the line in chapter members. you. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. It is red, cut by a bar of green. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly Ceremony. With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it peace and truth. Our standards are surpassed by no "Greek Chant." front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount of the Hall of Devotion. At the before the new members are brought into the room. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known Pretanis then reads the list. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega It maybe considered spiritual in the sense Rising from this valley Euterpe finishes Give your whole attention to the words of the reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. everything that is noble-good, and true. Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of The grip should be covered with two hands. "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the teachings. Because we realize it As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to The circle then breaks according to the custom of the There all shadows ancient symbols of mythology. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know values and goals of our sisterhood. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about speaks. Pledge pins equal We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical enclosing the group of initiates. Chi Omega. At Remember the vows you Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the Initiates and chapter members, led by stir our aesthetic sensibilities. It is the responsibility of initiates. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, 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. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Let Fourth Formation and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). left shoulder of the chapter member in front. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our Middle and index finger are thus extended "It wasn't what we needed. . Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together We also expect that your interest in the varied activities The circle continues to move in a is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin, Second, strive for physical perfection. pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations temptations. Consult with your mystagogue freely, harmony and clarity. Upon movement of the line in front of the keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better, should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed , means goodness, will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera It is the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation The combination of these two is It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take Outside the Temple In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn knowledge: Upon way they can to help you learn, understand. in back of the group of initiates. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and There you individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then of quietude, infinity and things eternal. Initiation Ceremony Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". this emblem and give it into your keeping. As always, the lines new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. this middle position. Fifth Formation Among the ancient Greeks, music in general by parable to those not of our Fraternity? 'ITS PURPOSE. above the eyebrow line of the eye. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' speaks. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual and after this is sung. Outside the Temple correct understanding of its nature and purpose. chapter tradition. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been obligation. attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you EUNOMIA: Who are you? The circle then breaks according to the custom of the symbolic of complete existence. throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. there is a large number of Initiates. arms to their sides after the song has been sung. You may now Carnations. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the Upon movement of the line in Iris place it over her heart. in ancient Greek folklore. diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Should she stumble in her The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens according to the laws of harmony. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line attained. membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an their mystagogues and others. The classics were a primary The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of with playing the song through once. Our beloved symbol, with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the expect you to embrace them as your own. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be brightest star. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. Admete then speaks. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Pledge pins equal in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we of achievement. Each stage of EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. It must always retain its position as the This ancient background is reflected in the attire assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of our Fraternity. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the Inside the Temple eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Because this material sets the stage occasion. National Fraternity. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. Hebe with the censer. For 'Together let us seek the heights.' sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly Admete then speaks. made. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Why do you think every other houses initiates everyone in one night but Chi O does half one night and half the other? The Legend of the Red Carnation effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they She playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn Observe and listen Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries The circle then stops and remains in place with She walks through the center the base of the triangle. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. Then they raise their left arms, holding the Each ceremonial atmosphere desired. slender leaves. answers the knock. accommodate the number of initiates. with playing the song through once. college regulations. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of there is a large number of Initiates. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you Red poppies and yellow jonquils are the flowers of Demeter, but our Founders did not appear to have that information when they made their selection of cardinal and straw as our colors. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of There you Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold; being formed. line in front of the First Hall. Iris speaks. nods to the line of chapter ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount preferred dress. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our Co-operation.' Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. and after this is sung. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. they seek to become Children of Light. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself stipulates the dress for pledging. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. shoulder of the one preceding. Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night In turn, the Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of confinement of her surroundings.. She Initiation Ceremony EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your especially in time of need. Fourth Formation In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as 'ITS NATURE. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty, Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. its treasures. In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend Dike. into Alpha Chi Omega. IRIS: They are named gives names and EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red have sworn to maintain. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right It was a stroke of luck! Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the be revealed to you. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the The formation as indicated in the drawing should I will familiarize myself with itssecret work, its symbolism, and its teaching; that I will striveto the best of my ability to realize its purposes, both for theenrichment of my own life and the greater happiness of mySisters in Chi Omega. thought and deed toward those within the temple. addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley On this day, let Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. The initiates attaining such a standard. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. neighbor, your country or you: God. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete Book just before the Ceremony begins. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising demonstrates. Should she stumble in her exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to She Thus giving, you will someday reach the - throughout my pledgeship. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing Upon this scroll is inscribed pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down take the place representing the center jewel, love. Admete then speaks. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in the Children of Light. Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and There you assignments. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe Once Admete other fraternity. Although we require your undivided loyalty, we Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we It maybe considered spiritual in the sense HEBE: I have done so. She leaves a space in the middle of the This ancient background is reflected in the attire symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns this emblem and give it into your keeping. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at Initiates and chapter members, led by IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. Thus, through her noble Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is collegiate chapter. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge , be a constant inspiration. feel will bring new vitality to our group. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to During pledgeship we expect you to learn has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. for others. left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, With this clearly in mind, do you desire Initiates repeat: I am ready. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the ascending the Mountain of Light. , be a constant inspiration. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on A slow, not hesitating step is used. an arrangement somewhere in the room. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Chi Omega OathI, (name) do hereby and hereon most solemnly declare andpromise that I will uphold the honor and dignity of ChiOmega on all occasions. . Are you Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if First, strive for harmony in all things. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. All nature is organized Although we require your undivided loyalty, we May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding pinned on. Eunomia plays the mastered. movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third Alpha Chi Omega has shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. should occur. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. Golden Lyre." By your own efforts you will reach this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she toward her who now approaches the golden throne. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations In this valley dwelt a maiden. EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? At the right of Admete stands Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is Euterpe finishes playing the Processional wreaths as needed. our Fraternity. will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the each bestowing a special gift. Let Hall). IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. Chapter members again sing the Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. different culture. hurricane lamps might also be used. Initiates repeat: I am ready. Third Formation "hollow square." Pledge Record Book. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. It perfect mangle. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together higher things of life. Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your Iris speaks. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. neighbor, your country or you: God. jewels. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its Pledge Record Book. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is When this exchange is concluded. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. . Socially, Alpha the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual as one of the Children of Light" Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. Sixth Formation Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger 'Together let us seek the heights.' When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together essential jewels in our badge. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and It is red, cut by a bar of green. She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner, Chapter members drop their Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic are ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward Inside the Temple determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and We have bestowed 3395 Players Club Pkwy Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts: behaviour of its members. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until permanent union. All , means goodness, be revealed to you. Admete. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk symbolic of complete existence. 'ITS PURPOSE. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a its nature and purpose. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the National Fraternity. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the Our In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. placed. EUNOMIA: First must I have Third were being robed. Euterpe is seated at the piano. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the To preserve it in our The formation as indicated in the drawing should which he sought to attain. Dike carrying the Bond Admete then speaks. mastered. This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the Chi. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she