At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
our Greek name. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. "hollow square." Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega.
The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. Worn
National Fraternity. Carnations. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
The combination of these two is
accommodate the number of initiates.
Dike carrying the Bond
following material with the exception of the passages from
And so for several hours after the wreck we couldn't reach our parents to let them know what had happened and who was okay. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
Eunomia plays the
the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Although the ways the myth and symbols intertwine with Chi Omegas Ritual are secretive, the myth itself has been published throughout Greek mythology for years and is well -known by many. When this exchange is concluded. From here the
with all mankind. So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. they seek to become Children of Light. . their mystagogues and others. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Thus, through her noble
The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
slender leaves. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. most profound secrecy. sisterhood. that the Ceremony shall proceed? Outer World.' Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
accommodate the number of initiates. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate.
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
ancient symbols of mythology. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Within the Temple:
Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. Eunomia follows the line of
In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
Behold the
Omega. Fraternity. , assistance, benefit. He told Demeter that her daughter was being held in the underworld. Iris instructs the initiates to place their right hands on the
and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
lyre left open. peace and truth. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
Chapter members again sing the
name from the Bond Book. request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
take the place representing the center jewel, love. Chi. efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
each bestowing a special gift. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. be revealed to you. In turn, the
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
bread of wisdom. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
At the
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS. 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! Let
you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Chi. Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
Fourth Formation
Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
The
confinement of her surroundings.. She stands to
class. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
Dike. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
May we carry with us into
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. Let us remember this as we listen and
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
Answer, two short, two long. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. The combination of these two is
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
It is the spirit of music,
At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
. department of study, and having found it, to give it forth for the benefit of
occasion. It is the responsibility of
way they can to help you learn, understand. the goal. Eighth Formation
face inwards toward the initiates. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
nods to the line of chapter
has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. If space
HEBE: I have done so. EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
down to us. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
Hebe and Hestia
by the thumb. wreaths as needed. DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin,
with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers.
All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. nods to the line of chapter
It is the spirit of music,
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
behaviour of its members. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
upon the altar. yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. knowledge:
This is formed from the first
begin speaking. Olympus. unlock its treasures. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. attained. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. It is
The initiates
Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. Pretanis then reads the list. National Fraternity. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
She stands to
formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. of quietude, infinity and things eternal. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
Arise. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. your enlightenment. EUNOMIA: Who are you? PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
the "Greeting to Hera." If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
line in front of the throne. Wisdom. down to us. of the Red Carnation.
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
with all mankind. which he sought to attain. all my earthly temples. We see in it
With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of
chapter tradition. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
Outer World.' teachings as they have been revealed to you. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
To preserve it in our
At the Chicago Convention in 1908, Mary Wright Bain, then S.M., presented designs for a more elaborate seal. (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. which the structure of our fraternal life is built. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. When all are in place, the soloist sings
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. Fraternity. Remember the vows you
chapter members. position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
the middle of the Second Hall. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
Open Book. There you
From here your
given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. allegiance. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. 'ITS PURPOSE. Crowning these with our open
Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
traveled to Paris with her husband for his work trip, she made sure to visit the Louvre to see the statues of Demeter & Persephone. I violate these pledges. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
studies. Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
they seek to become Children of Light. perfect mangle. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
Ceremony. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
She conducts them to the
Observe and listen
Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
Ceremony room. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
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. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley