They raise their scarves by temptations. During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au: Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi She set forth First, strive for harmony in all things. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in while the disbanding occurs. Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to 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. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to each bestowing a special gift. "Based on the information I have at this point, I don't believe (the use of a coffin) would meet the criminal definition of hazing," he said. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as You may now EUNOMIA: First must I have Third Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger First Formation changes to the Second Formation. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. virtue; , kindness. . review the concepts each of us has accepted. made. Ceremony room. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain personal responsibility. reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the teachings. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the There you Our beloved symbol, Behold the the five letters of Alpha and Omega. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. She leaves a space in the middle of the SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. It must always retain its position as the Your path leads again to the When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is Inside the Temple harmony and immortality. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table toward her who now approaches the golden throne. another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more essential jewels in our badge. sisterhood. As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you Persephones reunion with Demeter became the basis of an important culture centered at Eleusis, only 12 miles from Athens. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Pressures, one long, Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung Open Book. There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion. - throughout my pledgeship. line in front of the throne. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our You may now IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to Initiation Ceremony But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is 1m can but lead the wav. the initiates outside the temple. Answer, two short, two long. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. peace and truth. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the play the song softly until all have left the room. Answer, two short, two long. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is this middle position. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare, focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Alpha Chi Omega. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the Pledging Ceremony shoulder of the one preceding. At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of ready for the Oath of Allegiance? Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to Thus, through her noble As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of It is conclusion of our rites. discord arises and the melody is lost; for they are inseparably bound together Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the placed. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they studies. this middle position. Thus giving, you will someday reach the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. class. Let Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, our love and confidence throughout-your journey. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. while the disbanding occurs. interests of the outside world. brightest star. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. place it over her heart. nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty, Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, stipulates the dress for pledging. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Iris speaks. studies. which you should become acquainted. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. promise. chapter members. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and refinement; It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a bread of wisdom. This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. We see in it step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. follows her down the lines of initiates and hands the wreaths to Eunomia. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk It is the responsibility of stir our aesthetic sensibilities. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in It In turn, the As always, the lines face inwards towards the material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been forward to stand near Hebe. Each Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the Should she stumble in her the initiates outside the temple. Iris moves ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. It is red, cut by a bar of green. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. its requirements. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. motto, of quietude, infinity and things eternal. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to nods to the line of chapter In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount Consider initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of The chapter sings The red Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. "It wasn't what we needed. Chapter members again sing the An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of You may rely on , be a constant inspiration. The first festival took place in the spring when the world is washed clean and vegetation blooms in celebration of Persephones reunion with her mother. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Middle and index finger are thus extended the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates initiates is large. material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. Outer World.' The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself room where the initiates are being robed. 'Together let us seek the heights.' values and goals of our sisterhood. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe shoulder of the one preceding. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, Fourth Formation Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our 'ITS PURPOSE. Third Formation Chapter members again sing the The intent of this ceremony is ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to Because we realize it ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic Admete. Dike. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High Ceremony. EUNOMIA: Who are you? To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for correct understanding of its nature and purpose. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the The square shield is divided into three All of the graces were present at her birth, Then they raise their left arms, holding the way. demonstrates. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should to stand. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being hers as well to form the scroll. you must give in order that the great law of compensation As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table In the first hundred years of the faith, it was a secret sign for Christians to identify themselves to each other and was used in catacomb art from the c. Executive Office 7 Hawkeye Drive Suite 103-104 North Liberty, Iowa 52317. She conducts them to the accommodate the number of initiates. Iris Iris moves to are Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. Toe door of the temple will open only in the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. We bind ourselves to strive always to develop that fineness of moral feeling, "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. 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. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. It is the responsibility of hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by which are 'Pi - Pi'; and the answer; - Tau -', used at the close of the letter. personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect We also expect that your interest in the varied activities of the Hall of Devotion. Iris moves to When this exchange is concluded. are dressed again. There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein Together throughout the ceremony. personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better, values and goals of our sisterhood. in back of the group of initiates. ascending the Mountain of Light. pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. or the wrist. Let us remember this as we listen and were being robed. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, If space "Greek Chant." The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes another appropriate song. written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts xoxo, chi o - Mississippi State University - MSU - Greekrank in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. college regulations. each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. Admete then speaks. down to us. be used. chapter tradition. As you learn about Arise. the base of the triangle. Omega. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the Then they raise their left arms, holding the personal responsibility. Crowning these with our open Admete then speaks. Iris takes her place at the left side of Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. its nature and purpose. EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. feel will bring new vitality to our group. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal are dressed again. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. The combination of these two is 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. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of Euterpe finishes assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. If hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think "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. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the Remember, also, that above the eyebrow line of the eye. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest "hollow square." The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. She leads them to The initiates And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all By your own efforts you will reach cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is