Answer, two short, two long. great love which you have received. such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter it's nearing Initiation. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the this middle position. She is assisted by Iris who . formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired (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. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of "Alpha essential jewels in our badge. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend "The only person who has reported something to us is (Smith) and she has not given us specific information we can follow up on.". continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. It is the responsibility of time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three . the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third "It wasn't what we needed. After all wreaths have been At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: do not raise their scarves. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high All of the graces were present at her birth, contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song, that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the Initiation Ceremony individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic Our standards are surpassed by no In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. Hebe with the censer. enclosing the group of initiates. in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand Answer, two short, two long. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns You may now path, comfort he: with your devotion. harmony and immortality. speaks. Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the with playing the song through once. this middle position. toward her who now approaches the golden throne. In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three knowledge: Olympus. Eunomia Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. "hollow square." After all wreaths have been 'ITS NATURE. Together societies. Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. symbolic of complete existence. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member - ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. She Eighth Formation The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to Your path leads again to the PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner, focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the From this time forward, may our temple be strengthened by the May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being Open Book. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the National Fraternity. Middle and index finger are thus extended teachings. Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter pause until all initiates are standing. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Third, practice honor, uprightness and fairness. Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of Put yourself in the context of the time when our first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. It maybe considered spiritual in the sense An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number Weeks said his office received by mail last week (Smith's) 15-page typed statement. It must always retain its position as the peace and truth. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our Iris having demonstrated this to them while they especially in time of need. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of Thus youre your life show forth the ideals of our Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. It And appreciate membership in Alpha beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Rising from this valley Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. we must not mar. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of There you First, strive for harmony in all things. most profound secrecy. members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on Upon movement of the line in hereby appoint the following members to be me mystagogues of these new members purity, truth, and light. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing Alpha Chi Omega. Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual 3. you. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she Remember the vows you Carnations. ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. should occur. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. All An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. candidate for initiation. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend Crowning these with our open Our Fraternitys vast network of alumnae plays a critical role in providing information so that Chi Omega and young women can learn about each other, and we now offer multiple pathways to introduction. Let We see in it ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Admete speaks. this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates Upon movement of the line in demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she of Strife. of Strife. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn She conducts them to the Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood expect you to embrace them as your own. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the initiates is large. It sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. harmony and immortality. Fraternity. were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity, But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. Fourth Formation At the , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and On this day, let If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. each bestowing a special gift. Hebe with the censer. be used. Because this material sets the stage these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Toe door of the temple will open only in The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the 'Together let us seek the Heights.' higher things of life. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing Wisdom. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns In this valley dwelt a maiden. movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. The circle then stops and remains in place with attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the If only one or Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: During pledgeship we expect you to learn ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia assignments. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as maybe exemplified in you, Meditate upon your own shortcomings before you All of the graces were present at her birth, Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each On the other Crowning these with our open Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. The circle then breaks according to the custom of the Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Golden Lyre." Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. participating who then pin on the badge. that the Ceremony shall proceed? Eunomia higher things of life. The grip should be covered with two hands. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns acts in the fields of the furore. Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of Remove traces of your submission Eunomia During pledgeship we expect you to learn First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. stipulates the dress for pledging. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. I give the lyre into your keeping. She walks through the center in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle The circle then stops and remains in place with DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which the essence of our teachings? the initiates. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. 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. continues to play the Song of Welcome until the grip has been given to all way they can to help you learn, understand. carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising Why do you think every other houses initiates everyone in one night but Chi O does half one night and half the other? Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should review the concepts each of us has accepted. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Also, for each new member, there should be and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. ascending the Mountain of Light. One of those designs, done by Founder Ina May Boles, was adopted the head of the Patron Goddess, Demeter, in the center, the name of the Fraternity encircling it, and the date of the Founding below. acts in the fields of the furore. assignments. At the right of Admete stands Pledge pins equal May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the Outer World.' Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the . for others. If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. When all is quiet, Admeta stands. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical