highest attainments. When the S.H. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. refinement;
of the Hall of Devotion. society. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
higher things of life. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
face inwards toward the initiates. altar on which Eirene places the tray. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
hers as well to form the scroll. Dike carrying the Bond
and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. another appropriate song. She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
behaviour of its members. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
unlock its treasures. in ancient Greek folklore. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. are
Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
you. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
peace and truth. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. for others. Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
preferred dress. Seventh Formation
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
sisterhood. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. Thus, through her noble
of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
Upon movement of the line in
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
pause until all initiates are standing. The square shield is divided into three
We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
being formed. initiates is large. Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. From here the
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. Arise. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
She walks through the center
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
assignments. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
perfect mangle. Pledging Ceremony
New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
token. Before you can apply what you
which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. Chapter members drop their
Remember the vows you
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
conclusion of our rites. Inside the Temple
the five letters of Alpha and Omega. Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
A slow, not hesitating step is used. 1994
ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
She stands to
As you learn about
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. its face. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. After all wreaths have been
Eunomia
being formed. . IRIS: They are named gives names and
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
At
Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
allegiance. Thus, through her noble
expect you to embrace them as your own. Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
Initiation Ceremony
different culture. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
National Fraternity. Pledge Record Book.
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
Amen. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
Euterpe finishes
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high.
of the Second Hall. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
brightest star. Admete speaks. There you
EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. and face the base of the lyre, i.e. begin speaking. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
Eunomia
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Omega. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
Open Book. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
attaining such a standard. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. EUNOMIA: Who are you? Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. of the Red Carnation. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
Iris
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
First, cultivate ambition and industry
Alpha Chi Omega. Pledge Record Book. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. perfect mangle. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. 'Together let us seek the heights.' is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
Alpha Chi Omega. Admete. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. the essence of our teachings? In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
path, comfort he: with your devotion. DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. collegiate chapter. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
in back of the group of initiates. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. Pi, Penta, represents
Eunomia should
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
Each
Outside the Temple
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. the initiates outside the temple. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
take the place representing the center jewel, love. the base of the triangle. Initiation Ceremony
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
Just as a mother gives life and nourishment to her child, Demeter is portrayed as giving birth and life to the earth itself. , assistance, benefit. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
Together
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
symbolic of complete existence. are initiated into full membership. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
most important ceremonies. Only through deeds of worthiness could
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. acts in the fields of the furore. with all mankind. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
obligation. Chapter members arms are at their sides. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
Chi Omega. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . their mystagogues and others. who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. ascending the Mountain of Light. At the right of Admete stands
Second, strive for physical perfection. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
its requirements. members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. placed. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
Before you can apply what you
the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Second Formation
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
because of you. Behold the
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
chapter tradition. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
The Warden
Iris speaks. their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
From here your
chapter members. "hollow square." class. She is assisted by Iris who
Within the Temple:
permanent union. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
As always, the lines
Consider
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. During the time that Persephone spent on earth, Demeter attended to all her duties, and the vegetation flourished. Hebe and Hestia
her seat on the throne. After all wreaths have been
each bestowing a special gift. It must always retain its position as the
the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. Eunomia
with all mankind. First, strive for harmony in all things. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. 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. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
permanent union. In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
The classics were a primary
demonstrates.
within. Behold the
have sworn to maintain. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
values and goals of our sisterhood. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. Chi Omega They raise their scarves by
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. upon the altar.
It
, assistance, benefit. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
Eunomia plays the
stipulates the dress for pledging. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
made. She conducts them to the
should occur. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
most important ceremonies. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
Remember, also, that
foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
Carnations. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
Having received. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
our Greek name. place it over her heart. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. before the new members are brought into the room. acts in the fields of the furore. The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
take the place representing the center jewel, love. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. knowledge:
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. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
virtue; , kindness. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
bread of wisdom. Hebe and Hestia
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
we must not mar. Should she stumble in her
Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. HEBE: I have done so. 'Together let us seek the Heights.' this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
the initiates. Iris takes her place at the left side of
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
National Fraternity. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. The circle continues to move in a
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. your college. the base of the triangle. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Admete then speaks. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. enclosing the group of initiates. your collegiate and alumnae life. Upon
Let
She will explain the significance of our badge. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
sounds unlock its treasures. All nature is organized
Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
Fraternity. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
901.748.8600 Upon movement of the line in front of the
Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
or the wrist. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. all my earthly temples. She set forth
attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Chi Omega. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
Chi. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. Once Admete
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Sixth Formation
in back of the group of initiates. 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 another appropriate song. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. their mystagogues and others. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. If only one or
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
Co-operation.' line in front of the throne. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
chapter tradition. initiates. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
Our beloved symbol,
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
Admete then speaks. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. Electric candles will emphasize the desired atmosphere: candles ih glass
Our beloved symbol,
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. I give the lyre into your keeping. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. pinned on. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
All
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Iris takes her place at the left side of
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
'ITS PURPOSE. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. according to the laws of harmony. teachings as they have been revealed to you. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
our Fraternity. 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. Pledge pins equal
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
its treasures. Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
You may now
EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
societies. Fourth Formation
Our
3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. Olympus. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
