It is
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
Initiates repeat: I am ready. take the place representing the center jewel, love. 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. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. 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. Crowning these with our open
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. most profound secrecy. Our
"The Song of the Third Golden Key." appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
your enlightenment. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
'Together let us seek the heights.' the Children of Light. "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
our Fraternity. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
At the right of Admete stands
path, comfort he: with your devotion. are
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
way. Socially, Alpha
Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
All of the graces were present at her birth,
made. candidate for initiation. harmony and clarity. most important ceremonies. IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Observe and listen
If only one or
Each
Answer, two short, two long. way. Alpha Chi Omega. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
this middle position. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. And appreciate membership in Alpha
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. of the Second Hall. assignments. The answer is, 'I do.
It must always retain its position as the
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. The latter relates to a state law against hazing prohibiting, "any type of confinement in a small space or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental health or physical health or safety of the student.". initiates in their places to face toward the throne. to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
Carnations. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. 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. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
Behold the
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. while the disbanding occurs. by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
Fraternity. 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. She walks through the center
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
IRIS: They are named gives names and
society. grip, explaining the response. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
class. speaks. She is assisted by Iris who
signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement).
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. Outer World.' as one of the Children of Light"
New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
Let
. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
should occur. to stand. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
A slow, not hesitating step is used. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. other fraternity. teachings. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the
You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
line in front of the First Hall. Banish all worldly thoughts now, and prepare yourself in spirit for the
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
Remember, also, that
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omegas Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek mythology for years and is well -known by many. Third Formation
of the Hall of Devotion. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
She conducts them to the
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Iris takes her place at the left side of
symbolic of complete existence. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
You may rely on
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. Second Formation
meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
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.
upon the altar. HEBE: I have done so. review the concepts each of us has accepted. Admete then speaks. Then they raise their left arms, holding the
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
, be a constant inspiration. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
When the S.H. face inwards toward the initiates. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
"Greek Chant." 'Together let us seek the heights.' syllable. Pretanis then reads the list. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
Omega. syllable. On the other
pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
Worn
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling,
for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
She stands to
symbolic of complete existence.
These are to be
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. according to the laws of harmony. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
IRIS: They are named gives names and
seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
It is the responsibility of
The chapter sings
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
Chi Omega Cultivating a Lifetime of Purpose Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the
demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. National Fraternity. line in front of the throne. perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
Initiates and chapter members, led by
in ancient Greek folklore. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? most profound secrecy. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
way they can to help you learn, understand. being formed. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
its face. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. your college. Remove traces of your submission Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Should she stumble in her
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
Dike. Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. with all mankind. especially in time of need. of the Second Hall. I am about to
at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
play the song softly until all have left the room. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. obligation.
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
before the new members are brought into the room. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the
Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. Upon
'Together let us seek the heights.' Second, strive for physical perfection. , assistance, benefit. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. Upon
feel will bring new vitality to our group. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
'ITS PURPOSE. Euterpe is seated at the piano. throughout the ceremony. If space
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. We see in it
Upon movement of the line in
The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
its treasures. . begin speaking. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
Amen. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
She set forth
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
Iris speaks. PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. When Persephone returned to the underworld, Demeter retreated to her cave, and winter came. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
temptations. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. of Strife. each bestowing a special gift. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
From here the
Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
She
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
essential jewels in our badge. Admete then speaks. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
unlock its treasures. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. chapter tradition. Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
Before you can apply what you
size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete.
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