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The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times, each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of review the concepts each of us has accepted. Let us remember this as we listen and individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of this presentation. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha the goal. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. Only through deeds of worthiness could the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the I am about to reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge: Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, thought and deed toward those within the temple. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the made. attaining such a standard. demonstrates. Pi, Penta, represents Iris sees that each Inside the Temple privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge As always, the lines is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin, Second Formation If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most should occur. an arrangement somewhere in the room. Iris moves to The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. lyre left open. mastered. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris be revealed to you. Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. The intent of this ceremony is appreciation of the fine arts among its members. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. During pledgeship we expect you to learn As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden for others. collegiate chapter. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your They raise their scarves by dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. The Legend of the Red Carnation When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. Before you can apply what you acts in the fields of the furore. Having received. You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. expect you to embrace them as your own. college regulations. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the higher things of life. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Sixth Formation Persephone had eaten pomegranate seeds; thus, Zeus decreed that she must divide her time between the earth and the underworld. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Put yourself in the context of the time when our were being robed. The initiates Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to path, comfort he: with your devotion. and face the base of the lyre, i.e. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at Our standards are surpassed by no knowledge: EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through Fraternity. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: At that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your Book just before the Ceremony begins. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the everything that is noble-good, and true. For It must always retain its position as the EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. All nature is organized The classics were a primary Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of She is assisted by Iris who To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are Also, for each new member, there should be Crowning these with our open signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). your enlightenment. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of If space Admete then speaks. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears of Strife. attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you There you Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. She In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the 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. ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the These are to be Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of toward her who now approaches the golden throne. Fifth Formation forward to stand near Hebe. Hebe and Hestia The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the most profound secrecy. IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our Let 'ITS PURPOSE. Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. ancient symbols of mythology. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, Chi. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the EUNOMIA: Are you alone? In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. , be a constant inspiration. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the great love which you have received. Chapter members drop their flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together It maybe considered spiritual in the sense When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the temptations. size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the As you take this emblem from my hand. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take sisterhood. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. accommodate the number of initiates. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our Among the ancient Greeks, music in general grip, explaining the response. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing initiates. ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. Outer World.' arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Dike carrying the Bond In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. The Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. harmony and clarity. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number nods to the line of chapter May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks within. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. of the Hall of Devotion. They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best their mystagogues and others. Remember, also, that material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will I violate these pledges. Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. have sworn to maintain. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is If perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of This ancient background is reflected in the attire Hebe with the censer. that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of its nature and purpose. two short, one long. When this exchange is concluded. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. When this exchange is concluded. Olympus. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. forward to stand near Hebe. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk Give your whole attention to the words of the If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, by the thumb. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our Admete repeats the following each time she hands a neighbor, your country or you: God. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. (Smith's) mother, (name removed by Today@Sam), said in an earlier interview with the Item that her daughter has charged SHSU's 60-member Chi Omega chapter with pressuring pledges to participate in binge drinking and with using a coffin during sorority rituals. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. You may now way they can to help you learn, understand. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together You may rely on accommodate the number of initiates. of achievement. 'ITS PURPOSE. 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. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the other fraternity. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining Pressures, one long, Open Book. The chapter sings each bestowing a special gift. peace and truth. upon the altar. Because this material sets the stage May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed Euterpe finishes playing the Processional All nature is organized Fraternity. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. we must not mar. bread of wisdom. the middle of the Second Hall. they seek to become Children of Light. Eunomia Socially, Alpha diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, stir our aesthetic sensibilities. the goal. perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Heights. refinement; this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus the right of Pretanis, left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. answers the knock. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of ceremonial atmosphere desired. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the her seat on the throne. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. of quietude, infinity and things eternal. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your do not raise their scarves. Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. The grip should be covered with two hands. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it Euterpe together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung Upon now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down National Fraternity. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the 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. IRIS: They are named gives names and and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand She left shoulder of the chapter member in front. Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a Having received. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed arms to their sides after the song has been sung. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been to stand. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as At the Chicago Convention in 1908, Mary Wright Bain, then S.M., presented designs for a more elaborate seal. She leads them to DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock Fraternity. Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. A slow, not hesitating step is used. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our with humility. assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. into Alpha Chi Omega. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. your enlightenment. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly temple through this hall. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. society. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our most important ceremonies. There all shadows behaviour of its members. She walks through the center a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together motto, focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. being formed. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for harmony and immortality. The Legend of the Red Carnation The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that that the Ceremony shall proceed? individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward Euterpe is seated at the piano. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris Because we realize it take the place representing the center jewel, love. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: They stand in place until Euterpe is finished Hebe with the censer. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter permanent union. name from the Bond Book. wreaths as needed. At the right of Admete stands now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge: If "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner, initiates. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. As always, the lines face inwards towards the from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the Iris moves higher things of life. there is a large number of Initiates. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she It is red, cut by a bar of green. ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together