First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
EUNOMIA: Who are you? Consider
path, comfort he: with your devotion. did the maiden of long ago. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony.
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. speaks. line in front of the First Hall. were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. by the thumb. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony . The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. Click below to learn more! Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. The initiates
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. There all shadows
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Once the initiates are
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. take the place representing the center jewel, love. "It wasn't what we needed. 'Together let us seek the Heights.' Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. The classics were a primary
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
brightest star. Eirene
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
following material with the exception of the passages from
DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
EUNOMIA: First must I have Third
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. your enlightenment. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
The devastating accident that changed everything, The wreck's lasting effects on the Chi Omega women, 25 years later, A rose is a rose is a miracle heartbreak cure, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. to stand. for others. Each
1m can but lead the wav. syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
Initiates and chapter members, led by
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
"hollow square." feel will bring new vitality to our group. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. The Legend of the Red Carnation
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
should occur. been sung. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
Iris moves to
HEBE: I have done so. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
feel will bring new vitality to our group. Iris takes her place at the left side of
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
Euterpe is seated at the piano. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. The chapter sings
The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. Upon
She is assisted by Iris who
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
ascending the Mountain of Light. Third, live to benefit others. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
sisterhood. preferred dress. most important ceremonies. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. Hebe with the censer. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
with playing the song through once. Dike carrying the Bond
privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge
name from the Bond Book. The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
hurricane lamps might also be used. Pledge pins equal
74 - Shh! As always, the lines face inwards towards the
She leads them to
as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
initiates is large. exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
Observe and listen
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
initiates. Your path leads again to the
'Together let us seek the heights.' that the Ceremony shall proceed? front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
room where the initiates are being robed. Our standards are surpassed by no
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. unlock its treasures. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
I thought it but didn't say it. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. assignments. arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. Sixth Formation
She leaves a space in the middle of the
Golden Lyre." The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
of the Hall of Devotion. 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! When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
of quietude, infinity and things eternal. sisterhood. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Upon this scroll is inscribed
essential jewels in our badge. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
attained. Pledge Record Book. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
altar on which Eirene places the tray. to stand. observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
pinned on. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
are
far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. now in the British Museum, was her inspiration for the drawing. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony,
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
Eunomia
It
Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Book just before the Ceremony begins. From here your
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. different culture. your collegiate and alumnae life. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. in ancient Greek folklore. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Chapter members drop their
especially in time of need. Rising from this valley
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table.
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
seriously. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
this emblem and give it into your keeping. Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
Thus, through her noble
they seek to become Children of Light. As always, the lines
begin speaking. to the Fraternity and your initiation.
Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
Once Admete
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
pinned on. the middle of the Second Hall. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. She is assisted by Iris who
'Together let us seek the heights.' When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. everything that is noble-good, and true. Pressures, one long,
personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
according to the laws of harmony. Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
above the eyebrow line of the eye. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
Hebe and Hestia
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Answer, two short, two long. It is
seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
Toe door of the temple will open only in
conclusion of our rites. We walked and the traffic. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Only through deeds of worthiness could
maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. and face the base of the lyre, i.e. From here the
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Chi Omega Executive Headquarters
Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
EUNOMIA: Who are you? ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
Alpha Chi Omega - Initiation Ritual - Stichting Argus of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
Eunomia places a wreath on each initiate's head. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Each
IRIS: They are named gives names and
attained. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
Open Book. of Strife. So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. forward to stand near Hebe. Iris speaks. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. Give your whole attention to the words of the
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
perfect mangle. The Warden
been sung. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
Together
another, to promote her interests as we would our own; to hold ourselves
Remember, also, that
She
I am about to
"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. . now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
the base of the triangle. because of you.
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. Should she stumble in her
Let
appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
made. mastered. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. values and goals of our sisterhood. each bestowing a special gift. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
line in front of the First Hall. face inwards toward the initiates. One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. First Formation changes to the Second Formation. Olympus. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. All nature is organized
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' 'Together let us seek the heights.' Middle and index finger are thus extended
Alpha Chi Omega has
occasion. answers the knock. pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. behaviour of its members. which the structure of our fraternal life is built. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
National Fraternity. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. Ceremony.
She set forth
Each stage of
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. our Greek name.
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. It is the responsibility of
On the other
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. motto,
She conducts them to the
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? The square shield is divided into three
response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
your enlightenment. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
of the Second Hall. higher things of life. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
harmony and clarity. Answer, two short, two long. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
Ceremony. Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. Initiates repeat: I am ready. Eunomia should
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
It is the spirit of music,
At the right of Admete stands
Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
Iris moves
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
May we carry with us into
The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
She leads them to
this emblem and give it into your keeping. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. They raise their scarves by
two short, one long. To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. teachings as they have been revealed to you. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
for others. All
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
, means goodness,
hurricane lamps might also be used. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto,
EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Chapter members again sing the
classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
play the song softly until all have left the room. great love which you have received. the initiates outside the temple. knowledge:
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
Crowning these with our open
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. Chi. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. . There you
Chapter members arms are at their sides. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
Fifth Formation
The classics were a primary
"The only person who has reported something to us is (Smith) and she has not given us specific information we can follow up on.". and one long knocks. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
Toe door of the temple will open only in
Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
The answer is, 'I do.
we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves.
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
It is
develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Eirene
will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
lyre left open. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. grip, explaining the response. Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
Faith, Hope, and Love to those within our Temple, who is turn reflect it to the
virtue; , kindness. Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
place it over her heart. Wisdom. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. The formation as indicated in the drawing should
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
Do you solemnly promise that the secrets of this night
Socially, Alpha
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia