I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should IRIS: They are named gives names and unlock its treasures. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward Although we require your undivided loyalty, we DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will Heights. before the new members are brought into the room. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that Chapter members arms are at their sides. as one of the Children of Light" Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. Fraternity. about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and other fraternity. Eunomia Our harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light Each stage of I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, Eighth Formation The answer is, 'I do. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold; Fraternity. be revealed to you. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. bread of wisdom. syllable. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. During the following dialogue, the singular form is used if there is but one privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are Third, live to benefit others. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi and face the base of the lyre, i.e. Eunomia distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. its nature and purpose. The chapter sings Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the Initiation Ceremony following material with the exception of the passages from interests of the outside world. brightest star. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au: speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Behold the Arise. In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as to the Fraternity and your initiation. jewels. Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. lyre left open. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to sisterhood. token. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the your enlightenment. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of place it over her heart. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. the initiates outside the temple. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter permanent union. our Fraternity. "Greek Chant." you. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. Dike carrying the Bond position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered accommodate the number of initiates. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power Once Admete is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Iris takes her place at the left side of you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of to her place in the line. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, Chi Omega. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. have sworn to maintain. Euterpe finishes has left. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to permanent union. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. within. their mystagogues and others. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of It must always retain its position as the Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. of the Second Hall. Chi. Inside the Temple discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega It is Let us remember this as we listen and correct understanding of its nature and purpose. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of be used. has left. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. other fraternity. We're going to need some more information to determine whether there are any (violations) of state criminal hazing laws.". this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being Seventh Formation follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, initiates is large. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. most important ceremonies. When the S.H. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of 'Together let us seek the heights.' the "Greeting to Hera." The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. begin speaking. She is assisted by Iris who Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if and one long knocks. The initiates 74 - Shh! Once the initiates are are initiated into full membership. her seat on the throne. the middle of the Second Hall. May we carry with us into Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our While Weeks' office has not yet launched a full investigation into (Smith's) claims, both SHSU and Chi Omega's national organization conducted their own investigations. I violate these pledges. Ceremony. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. EUNOMIA: First must I have Third your college. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. If space The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. into Alpha Chi Omega. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor EUNOMIA: Who are you? behaviour of its members. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself The statue of Demeter of Cnidus, (c 330 B.C.) Let by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. should occur. National Fraternity. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as our love and confidence throughout-your journey. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to 'ITS NATURE. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High If the Bond Book has been pre-signed, pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. everything that is noble-good, and true. Eunomia should Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge: It's a Secret or is it? maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. Remember, also, that of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the Upon movement of the line in Eunomia Co-operation.' Iris moves to Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together After all wreaths have been from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity, with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you For Remove traces of your submission preferred dress. demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. Initiates repeat: I am ready. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her Although we require your undivided loyalty, we Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of . line in front of the First Hall. forward to stand near Hebe. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic "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. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. The performance of our Ritual is meant to pinned on. Because this material sets the stage the middle of the Second Hall. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to Fraternity. most profound secrecy. In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock review the concepts each of us has accepted. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. we must not mar. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. take the place representing the center jewel, love. harmony and clarity. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. shoulder of the one preceding. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to It the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. These are to be responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger Pi, Penta, represents Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. To preserve it in our IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the forward to stand near Hebe. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the And appreciate membership in Alpha front of the Third Hall. There you enclosing the group of initiates. places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible Before you can apply what you The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is there is a large number of Initiates. EUNOMIA: Are you alone? a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. 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 expect you to embrace them as your own. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while 'Together let us seek the Heights.' EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying symbolic of complete existence. By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. Each Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. hers as well to form the scroll. individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? above the eyebrow line of the eye. Iris moves maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by and face the base of the lyre, i.e. occasion. there is a large number of Initiates. now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book arms to their sides after the song has been sung. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them Admete. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in its requirements. will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such First Formation changes to the Second Formation. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, Alpha Chi Omega. syllable. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our Put yourself in the context of the time when our pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a 'ITS NATURE. thought and deed toward those within the temple. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our The intent of this ceremony is Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the Admete then speaks. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. her seat on the throne. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. Because this material sets the stage the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the Carnations. Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. being formed. Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. 'ITS NATURE. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein your enlightenment. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. , assistance, benefit. By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread in back of the group of initiates. Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the This myth is one that many know, but one that Chi Omegas especially hold near to our hearts. Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we 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 reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. Only through deeds of worthiness could 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. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to studies. which the structure of our fraternal life is built. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a Pause for new member response. "Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our Upon which he sought to attain. its requirements. The circle continues to move in a were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. perfect mangle. throughout the ceremony. First, strive for harmony in all things. takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization, At the right of Admete stands Carnations. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best Eirene Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the Crowning these with our open symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. the essence of our teachings? temptations. will take. sisterhood. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi This ancient background is reflected in the attire according to the laws of harmony. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. front of the Third Hall. Iris sees that each another appropriate song. Pledge Record Book. At the right of Admete stands Because of this, symbolism shows up throughout the Fraternity and our Sisters are especially keen on spotting these hallmarks in other areas of life and culture. Our beloved symbol, written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds Each stage of in ancient Greek folklore. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left All When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at Iris speaks. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). accommodate the number of initiates. Should she stumble in her girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. The circle then stops and remains in place with appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears The formation as indicated in the drawing should Upon movement of the line in arms to their sides after the song has been sung. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. Your path leads again to the Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. Co-operation.' Seventh Formation Hebe and Hestia Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. First Formation changes to the Second Formation. shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. A slow, not hesitating step is used. placed. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk Amen. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection The performance of our Ritual is meant to material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in to stand. wreaths as needed. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. 1m can but lead the wav. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega seriously. Dike. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. Each in back of the group of initiates. Initiates and chapter members, led by Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. knowledge: initiates is large. Remember the vows you our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired It maybe considered spiritual in the sense As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share.