Outside the Temple
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. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
Iris moves to
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
She leads them to
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
Alpha Chi Omega. It's very basic. . EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
forward to stand near Hebe. 'Together let us seek the heights.' assignments. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. brightest star. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
Only through deeds of worthiness could
Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
front of the Third Hall. 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
were being robed. 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. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
our Fraternity. and after this is sung. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
bread of wisdom. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
She walks through the center
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Alpha Chi Omega. wreaths as needed. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
If space permits, the candles are most
Within the Temple:
your college. college regulations. Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
motto,
before the new members are brought into the room. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
do not raise their scarves. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
Pressures, one long,
National Fraternity. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. Let
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
down to us. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
college regulations. Let
sounds unlock its treasures. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Third, live to benefit others. Arise. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
We have bestowed
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
She will explain the significance of our badge. "hollow square." In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
grip, explaining the response. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
for others.
place it over her heart. syllable. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. She conducts them to the
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. speaks. Omega. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. - throughout my pledgeship. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
or the wrist. . way. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
Pomegranates have shown up in countless Chi O Creations merchandise, Convention attire, and costumes over the years! - throughout my pledgeship. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
She is assisted by Iris who
maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
slender leaves. you. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
Behold the
Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Carnations. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
, assistance, benefit. and one long knocks. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. Chi Omega. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
Upon
Because this material sets the stage
During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
most important ceremonies. It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
Because we realize it
mastered. this emblem and give it into your keeping. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
made. ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. "Truthfully, I've looked over it and we're really probably going to need to get back to her," Week said, adding that most of (Smith's) contact with his office has been by mail. Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung.
Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus Pledging Ceremony
feel will bring new vitality to our group. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
personal responsibility. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name,
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
great love which you have received. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. of achievement. feel will bring new vitality to our group. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. Admete then speaks. She conducts them to the
After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
"Greek Chant." Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
Iris speaks. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one
Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
"(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
, means goodness,
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
temple through this hall. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? be used. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
It
It
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
There you
are dressed again. She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
When all are in place, the soloist sings
initiates is large. Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. Second, strive for physical perfection. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
name from the Bond Book. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
made. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
As you take this emblem from my hand.
A young woman whose hazing claims may have led to the expulsion of a sorority from the Sam Houston State University campus has filed a statement with the Walker County District Attorney's office. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
line in front of the throne. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
xoxo, chi o - Mississippi State University - MSU - Greekrank Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Shh! It's a Secret or is it? - 125 Years of Chi Omega shoulder of the one preceding. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . you must give in order that the great law of compensation
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
The circle then stops and remains in place with
participating who then pin on the badge. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
Because this material sets the stage
"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
of Strife. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
front of the Third Hall. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. essential jewels in our badge. The chapter sings
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
Initiates and chapter members, led by
hurricane lamps might also be used. different culture. I give the lyre into your keeping. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. 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. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
Euterpe is seated at the piano. 'ITS NATURE. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. A slow, not hesitating step is used. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
She set forth
traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. Arise. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
the initiates. in back of the group of initiates. Chapter members again sing the
The Legend of the Red Carnation
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. this emblem and give it into your keeping. sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. perfect mangle. temptations. its nature and purpose. Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
The initiates
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. of the Second Hall. You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? The circle then stops and remains in place with
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
"Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. review the concepts each of us has accepted. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
by the thumb. Each
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
the right of Pretanis,
There all shadows
It is the responsibility of
every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the
being formed. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Once the initiates are
Once Admete
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
1994
society. Fraternity. Euterpe finishes
To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Each stage of
DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
Are you
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
higher things of life. our Greek name. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. peace and truth. Upon
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
First, strive for harmony in all things. distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. its face. These are to be
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
Eighth Formation
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
Eunomia plays the
Hebe with the censer. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. When this exchange is concluded. to the Fraternity and your initiation. "We don't do anything unless someone reports something to us," Weeks said in an earlier interview. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
Eunomia follows the line of
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Also, for each new member, there should be
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. with all mankind. who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
And appreciate membership in Alpha
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
I thought it but didn't say it. are
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
Eunomia follows the line of
and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. Admete then speaks. Eunomia
initiates. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
Initiates and chapter members, led by
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. shoulder of the one preceding. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
The intent of this ceremony is
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. slender leaves. Socially, Alpha
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. These are to be
language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history.