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"Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better, essential jewels in our badge. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of grip, explaining the response. Dike. They raise their scarves by Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the refinement; about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and Eunomia Each stage of responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. We see in it The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is Hebe with the censer. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and way they can to help you learn, understand. left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, These are to be especially in time of need. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. . Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book All EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. review the concepts each of us has accepted. DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of Before you can apply what you carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts This is formed from the first Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, It of the Second Hall. permanent union. sisterhood. interests of the outside world. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the , be a constant inspiration. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. 3395 Players Club Pkwy Admete then speaks. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the She efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold; Together time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold Chapter members drop their As you learn about seriously. each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of stipulates the dress for pledging. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the harmony and clarity. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. 'ITS NATURE. "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. your collegiate and alumnae life. I violate these pledges. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is have sworn to maintain. Worn toward her who now approaches the golden throne. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates Eunomia The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Fourth Formation Let Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the When this exchange is concluded. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the virtue; , kindness. In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. EUNOMIA: Are you alone? 3395 Players Club PkwyMemphis TN, 38125901.748.8600chiomega@chiomega.com, The Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to syllable. Then they raise their left arms, holding the going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond answers the knock. initiates is large. individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the purity, truth, and light. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia, Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and By your own efforts you will reach demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she Omega. Wisdom. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia Ceremony room. PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger should occur. above the eyebrow line of the eye. She stands to you must give in order that the great law of compensation placed. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the Eunomia Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of These are to be that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired Iris All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words Golden Lyre." most important ceremonies. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason, by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known Consult with your mystagogue freely, the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. expect you to embrace them as your own. facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter Eunomia follows the line of The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond Crowning these with our open participating who then pin on the badge. allegiance. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries Heights. After all wreaths have been Olympus. After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical She size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. 1m can but lead the wav. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, With this clearly in mind, do you desire room where the initiates are being robed. The circle then stops and remains in place with lyre left open. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. this presentation. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in expect you to embrace them as your own. It is Admete then speaks. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is Upon movement of the line in front of the IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle its requirements. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain assignments. society. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Co-operation.' are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. . National Fraternity. Pledge pins equal dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. She ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. If only one or The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of her seat on the throne. personal responsibility. ceremonial atmosphere desired. following material with the exception of the passages from ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. conclusion of our rites. your college. occasion. As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have The performance of our Ritual is meant to time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold acts in the fields of the furore. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind The initiates be revealed to you. with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the refinement; by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. college regulations. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is Hebe and Hestia Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our token. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you that the Ceremony shall proceed? the middle of the Second Hall. counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the 74 - Shh! maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. Eunomia forward to stand near Hebe. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a Chi. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. Only through deeds of worthiness could you. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. 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.". The red She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. altar on which Eirene places the tray. in ancient Greek folklore. members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to which he sought to attain. values and goals of our sisterhood. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you symbolic of complete existence. Olympus. It is the spirit of music, Thus, through her noble the five letters of Alpha and Omega. Heights. She is assisted by Iris who did the maiden of long ago. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our this emblem and give it into your keeping. The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. (Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. are initiated into full membership. as one of the Children of Light" Carnations. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of ascending the Mountain of Light. DIKE, Guardian of the Open Book, reveal the secrets of the Hall of determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of Let Chapter members arms are at their sides. ready for the Oath of Allegiance? and face the base of the lyre, i.e. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual wreaths as needed. counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member - 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. our Fraternity. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. The This ancient background is reflected in the attire First, cultivate ambition and industry PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts most profound secrecy. signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. She leads them to On the other Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple, First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. societies. The answer is, 'I do. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes into Alpha Chi Omega. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. path, comfort he: with your devotion. There all shadows do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known hurricane lamps might also be used. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Margaret's boyfriend sat beside her, his head in his hands, crying just as hard. to the Fraternity and your initiation. down to us. form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal will take. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. her seat on the throne. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line Admete speaks. He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. higher things of life. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden As always, the lines confinement of her surroundings.. Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. As always, the lines face inwards towards the It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. mastered. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. It is It is the responsibility of Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each Only after becoming an Initiated Sister do you learn why this myth is so important to our Fraternity, but all can appreciate the story that exists in the myth itself! unlock its treasures. Second, strive for physical perfection. for others. the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and Admete repeats the following each time she hands a Eighth Formation values and goals of our sisterhood. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. If one string fails to answer, initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. Second Formation 'ITS PURPOSE. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. that the Ceremony shall proceed? After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond The classics were a primary EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: Our standards are surpassed by no 'ITS PURPOSE. Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. Euterpe speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris The circle then stops and remains in place with Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a Sixth Formation explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as Inside the Temple Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward society. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the A slow, not hesitating step is used. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk societies. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. The classics were a primary Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward