Let us raise our voices in solemn chant.
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
Initiation Ceremony
When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
"Greek Chant." Together
forward to stand near Hebe. temple through this hall. hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Give your whole attention to the words of the
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. "It wasn't what we needed. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
this (college/university) to be admitted into full membership. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power
of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
our Fraternity.
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
The Vice President-Pledge Education leads the new members into the room while
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
line in front of the First Hall. IRIS: They are named gives names and
this middle position. initiates. Eirene holds up a large drawing or suitable replica of the badge while
promise.
those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
If space permits, the candles are most
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. there is a large number of Initiates.
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
In this valley dwelt a maiden. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre.
its nature and purpose. It
this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
token. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
It is
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Are you
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
It must always retain its position as the
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
Once the initiates are
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
confinement of her surroundings.. Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. There you
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. 'ITS PURPOSE. These are to be
the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle
PRETANIS: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
Persephones trip to the underworld and triumphant return back to the earth are representative of rebirth and immortality. this presentation. In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. Because no one ever revealed the ceremonies that took place there and because little is known about them, they were called the Eleusinian Mysteries. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. The statue of Demeter of Cnidus, (c 330 B.C.) memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. room where the initiates are being robed. When all are in place, the soloist sings
EUNOMIA: First must I have Third
demonstrates. Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. teachings as they have been revealed to you. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
It is the spirit of music,
The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. EUNOMIA: First must I have Third
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
"It wasn't closed or anything like that. the initiates outside the temple. In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. Because this material sets the stage
When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
All
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
wreaths as needed. New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
assign you a mystagogue who will act as your counselor in all matters pertaining
way they can to help you learn, understand. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. attaining such a standard. In turn, the
pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
our ancient sisterhood, have come form the Outer World seeking our inspired
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. way they can to help you learn, understand. The chapter sings
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
each bestowing a special gift. Omega. Outer World.' this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
, be a constant inspiration. you. Fraternity. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
Third, live to benefit others. It's a Secret or is it? Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
their mystagogues and others.
Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. This is formed from the first
'Together let us seek the heights.' turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
Zeus, seeing that all vegetation was dying because Demeter was neglecting her role of tending to the plants, granted Persephone permission to return if she had not eaten anything while in the underworld. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. Bright, beautiful, and beloved, the young women of Chi Omega had it alluntil they didn't. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. Thus giving, you will someday reach the
virtue; , kindness. that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your
From here the
PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
Our standards are surpassed by no
Outside the Temple
The circle then breaks according to the custom of the
placed. 'ITS PURPOSE. legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
Fourth Formation
Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
Heights. Crowning these with our open
Admete march quietly to a place where gowns are removed and all other costume
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
according to the laws of harmony. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. . ready for the Oath of Allegiance? to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. Thus, through her noble
now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. Upon
'ITS PURPOSE. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
for the pageant to follow, it is recommended that the initiates be robed before
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Hesria hands the badge to Admete as Dike reads each
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
EUNOMIA: Are you alone? In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
according to the laws of harmony. In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
acts in the fields of the furore. Initiates and chapter members, led by
interests of the outside world. Toe door of the temple will open only in
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. I am about to
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
everything that is noble-good, and true. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
unlock its treasures. did the maiden of long ago. this middle position. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. with humility. To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. ascending the Mountain of Light. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. Before you can apply what you
initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. sisterhood. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
A slow, not hesitating step is used. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. great love which you have received. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
throne. At
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Remove traces of your submission explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
the Children of Light. Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
Arise. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love:
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. Chi Omega expects its members to abide by a Code of Conduct defined by the
contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. knowledge:
It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. badge to Iris or the initiated Alpha Chi Omega relative or significant alumna if
Iris leads the initiates behind her, They are followed by the Hours
I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should
our Fraternity. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
Chapter members again sing the
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
thought and deed toward those within the temple. Iris sees that each
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
National Fraternity. its treasures. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
May I be kept forever steadfast in this, my secret and binding
I violate these pledges. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. foothold and shielded them with her love and devotion. sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly
of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
She
the middle of the Second Hall. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. are dressed again. perfect mangle. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
review the concepts each of us has accepted. are initiated into full membership. 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! So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. Two festivals were instituted at Eleusis. slender leaves. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
bread of wisdom. pinned on. Middle and index finger are thus extended
Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
conclusion of our rites. class. form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing. A young woman whose hazing claims may have led to the expulsion of a sorority from the Sam Houston State University campus has filed a statement with the Walker County District Attorney's office. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. "hollow square." its face. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
The sheaf of wheat in the third division represents the garnering of our
we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. "This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. Eunomia
Initiation Ceremony
You will be answered by two short, and two long knocks. First, cultivate ambition and industry
this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
If
Initiates and chapter members, led by
As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
of the Hall of Devotion. Second Formation
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
Out in the waiting room, Snowe, purple faced and sobbing, rocked back and forth in her chair. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
before the new members are brought into the room. sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
ages, and is open that all may read and acquire knowledge. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. Socially, Alpha
The intent of this ceremony is
motto,
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. There all shadows
other fraternity. Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only
We also expect that your interest in the varied activities
most profound secrecy. every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
promise.
Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. and after this is sung. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
Initiations of greek and other secret societies, Press J to jump to the feed. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
societies. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. Rising from this valley
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
two short, one long. Let
At the right of Admete stands
were being robed. essential jewels in our badge. Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
You may rely on
Iris speaks. Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. To preserve it in our
She leaves a space in the middle of the
accommodate the number of initiates. A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. For
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. When this exchange is concluded. If so, the answer is: 'I do solemnly
As the "Song of the Third Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
'ITS NATURE. 'ITS NATURE. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. Thus, through her noble
fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
front of the Third Hall.
Your path leads again to the
As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Children of Light, who have inscribed our names on this scroll, desirous of
And the name of the High Priestess was Admete. as one of the Children of Light"
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
studies. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
It
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
When this exchange is concluded. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. within. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
harmony and clarity. ADMETE: We, the children of Light, are convened in this, our
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
Iris
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. about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. of the Second Hall. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to
Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in
kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind.
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
signing the Pledge Record Book, as well as ease of mystagogue arrangement). Chi Omega provides a steady, consistent guide for Sisters to create a path of purpose and success. On this day, let
and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand
Eunomia should
two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
If you are a high-risk source, avoid saying anything or doing anything after submitting which might promote suspicion. We have bestowed
In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. temptations. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Initiates repeat: I am ready. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
National Fraternity. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
Should you have doubt about membership in Alpha Chi Omega, we would expect a
nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
and face the base of the lyre, i.e. sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
be revealed to you. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. Euterpe is seated at the piano. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
All of the graces were present at her birth,
participating who then pin on the badge. Should she stumble in her
It is red, cut by a bar of green. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. Our
pause until all initiates are standing. the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation
It's very basic. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. The Legend of the Red Carnation
of quietude, infinity and things eternal. The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. The circle continues to move in a
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
begin speaking. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. neighbor, your country or you: God. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
She set forth
highest attainments. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book.
The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
Chapter members arms are at their sides. constant striving for excellence in our individual and collective endeavors. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of
participating who then pin on the badge. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the
Euterpe finishes
In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
Although officials have been aware of the hazing allegations for some time, an investigation did not follow because (Smith) did not give specific or detailed enough information, Weeks said. eligible for membership in the Fraternity. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels.