Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. "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. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
The answer is, 'I do.
great love which you have received. unlock its treasures.
All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation.
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
according to the laws of harmony. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. IRIS: They are named gives names and
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
higher things of life. Euterpe finishes
. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Crowning these with our open
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. permanent union.
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. of the Red Carnation. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. most important ceremonies. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
thought and deed toward those within the temple. In despair, Demeter went to Zeus, the king of the gods, begging him to allow Persephone to return. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
be revealed to you. Remember, also, that
path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
will find the fruition of our hopes, the garnered sheaf from which we gain the
they seek to become Children of Light. Once Admete
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. ascending the Mountain of Light. In this valley dwelt a maiden. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
the right of Pretanis,
I violate these pledges. First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. . Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. Chapter members again sing the
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. candidate for initiation. this middle position. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
Middle and index finger are thus extended
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right
throne. First, strive for harmony in all things. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. From here your
nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
Once the initiates are
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. should occur. pause until all initiates are standing. to her place in the line. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the
of the Second Hall. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
stipulates the dress for pledging. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. peace and truth. solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
motto,
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
Remove traces of your submission It would more be forcing someone - making them drink. It
cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built.
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? being formed. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
This is formed from the first
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
The
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. She is assisted by Iris who
If only one or
PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
room where the initiates are being robed. Outer World.' the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
Initiation Ceremony
'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
Iris moves to
treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
Iris takes her place at the left side of
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. 'Together let us seek the heights.'
She will explain the significance of our badge. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. The Bond Book may be signed at this time if the number of
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
, be a constant inspiration. with humility. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
the initiates outside the temple. Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
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. or the wrist. for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you
Inside the Temple
its face. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
She walks through the center
Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
At the right of Admete stands
Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. The chapter sings
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. temptations. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
Third, live to benefit others. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
pinned on.
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
for others. confinement of her surroundings.. If space
and after this is sung. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. speaks. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. Let
During your pledgeship, you learned the non-secret features of au:
Should she stumble in her
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the
each bestowing a special gift. takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
Eunomia
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
be used. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in 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. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Pressures, one long,
There you will find the open book
We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
initiates. name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
IRIS: A Child of Light, a sister in the Bond. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. , assistance, benefit. All nature is organized
play the song softly until all have left the room. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
Worn
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Pause for new member response. "Alpha
going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
Golden Lyre." "It wasn't closed or anything like that. societies. Eirene
1m can but lead the wav. virtue; , kindness. cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. I give the lyre into your keeping. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
"Greek Chant." Upon
by parable to those not of our Fraternity? mastered. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
both verses have been sung. I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
of Strife. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
were being robed. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
Let us remember this as we listen and
Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
Pressures, one long,
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
Hall). Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. 1m can but lead the wav. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
Second Degree of Initiation into Alpha Chi Omega
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. On the other
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
First, cultivate ambition and industry
All
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
altar on which Eirene places the tray. memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. Are you
As always, the lines face inwards towards the
Alpha Chi Omega. Admete. Upon movement of the line in front of the
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
the base of the triangle. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
teachings. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Eighth Formation
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none.
grip, explaining the response. Have expert advice and tips delivered directly to you. left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom.
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Ceremony room. Wisdom. an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
Heights. this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace Third Formation
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
forward to stand near Hebe. Middle and index finger are thus extended
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. especially in time of need. And appreciate membership in Alpha
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
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. meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
while the disbanding occurs. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often,
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. shoulder of the one preceding. that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
Observe and listen
chapter members. The combination of these two is
The Warden
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
her seat on the throne. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Chapter members drop their
Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
If one string fails to answer,
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. 'ITS NATURE. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. 'Together let us seek the heights.' wreaths as needed. Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
accommodate the number of initiates. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
'Together let us seek the Heights.' Eunomia should
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
Carnations. We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
Co-operation.' Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
'Together let us seek the heights.' which he sought to attain. Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. throughout the ceremony. The circle continues to move in a
As you take this emblem from my hand. Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
Iris moves
that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your
harmony and immortality. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Our
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
Heights. chapter tradition. we must not mar. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Pledge Record Book. bread of wisdom. Olympus. in back of the group of initiates. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement.