your enlightenment. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
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.". In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
with humility. Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
mind of all mankind. Fifth Formation
Middle and index finger are thus extended
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
Are you
Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omega's Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek . and face the base of the lyre, i.e. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
the Children of Light. which you should become acquainted. Iris speaks. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. everything that is noble-good, and true. of the Red Carnation. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
Hall). meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. line in front of the First Hall. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
We have bestowed
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. 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. other fraternity. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
lyre left open. assignments. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
higher things of life. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider. Each
Observe and listen
EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. while the disbanding occurs. First, cultivate ambition and industry
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
peace and truth. Seventh Formation
Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. your collegiate and alumnae life. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. As you learn about
Book just before the Ceremony begins. I give the lyre into your keeping. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
we must not mar. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
Hebe with the censer. knowledge:
brightest star. Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". room where the initiates are being robed. Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. its requirements. maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. National Fraternity. Iris speaks. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). The circle continues to move in a
virtue; , kindness. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. The Legend of the Red Carnation
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. Through rush parties we meet and select those whom we
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
preferred dress. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. this presentation. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
Put yourself in the context of the time when our
with all mankind. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
Ceremony room. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
(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. Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
Euterpe finishes
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
Eunomia
- throughout my pledgeship. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
When this exchange is concluded. accommodate the number of initiates. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
of Strife. A slow, not hesitating step is used. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. great love which you have received. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. 'ITS NATURE. Because we realize it
Learn more Know a Woman That Would Be A Great Chi Omega? chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. I am about to
we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
motto,
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
neighbor, your country or you: God. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
Admete then speaks. Then they raise their left arms, holding the
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
I violate these pledges. the goal. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
symbolic of complete existence. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
'ITS PURPOSE. language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
Chi Omega Executive Headquarters In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
both verses have been sung. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
throne. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology.
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
to her place in the line. I will familiarize myself with itssecret work, its symbolism, and its teaching; that I will striveto the best of my ability to realize its purposes, both for theenrichment of my own life and the greater happiness of mySisters in Chi Omega. The filing came about three weeks after Chi Omega's national organization decided to revoke the local chapter's charter, thereby closing its SHSU campus headquarters. Golden Lyre." initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
Initiates and chapter members, led by
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Pretanis then reads the list. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
Omega. It is
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. Third, live to benefit others. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. As you learn about
promise.
chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
to stand. Once the initiates are
will take. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. face inwards toward the initiates. Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. Remember the vows you
has left. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
Fraternity. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. This is formed from the first
determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. of Strife. Dike. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. initiates. In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name,
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
most important ceremonies. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed
She stands to
IRIS: They are named gives names and
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
Each
If space
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. When all are in place, the soloist sings
On this day, let
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
Eunomia plays the
peace and truth. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
It is
Consider
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
Also, for each new member, there should be
Third, live to benefit others. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
wreaths as needed. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Pledge Record Book. These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
Chapter members again sing the
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. to the Fraternity and your initiation. Fraternity. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
Second Formation
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
demonstrates.
She walks through the center
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Iris takes her place at the left side of
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
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. There you will find the open book
, be a constant inspiration. lyre left open. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Iris moves
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
"Greek Chant." Let
going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
of the Second Hall. While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
our Fraternity.
Are you
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
Let
The chapter sings
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
chapter members. and face the base of the lyre, i.e. following material with the exception of the passages from
So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. If only one or
you. Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
values and goals of our sisterhood. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
do not raise their scarves. upon the altar. brightest star. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
will enhance the effect Otherwise, consideration should be given to having such
as one of the Children of Light"
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. It is the responsibility of
each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. accommodate the number of initiates. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. to stand. Remember, also, that
sisterhood. These are to be
wreaths as needed. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
answers the knock. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
attained. altar on which Eirene places the tray. Seventh Formation
When the S.H. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
Fraternity. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
speaks. you. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
two short, one long. There you
the initiates. Each stage of
allegiance. of the Red Carnation. her seat on the throne. Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
It is red, cut by a bar of green. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
Worn
Because we realize it
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
toward her who now approaches the golden throne. 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. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
or the wrist.
initiates is large. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother.
Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Sixth Formation
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
. will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
"hollow square." In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
token. To preserve it in our
The combination of these two is
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
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