Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
Outer World.' The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. hers as well to form the scroll. The initiates
enclosing the group of initiates. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is
are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
Ceremony room. As you take this emblem from my hand. with Eunomia behind the group of initiates. should occur. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
Let
I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
Admete speaks. Alpha Chi Omega has
or the wrist. She stands to
EIRENE: First must I have the Second Golden Key whose mystic
As always, the lines
Admete then speaks. Behold the
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
you must give in order that the great law of compensation
throne. advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
Behold the
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the
their mystagogues and others. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
Sixth Formation
Our beloved symbol,
. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
sisterhood. made. attained. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. EIRENE: Welcome, Seeker of Love, to the Hall of Devotion.
about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and
Dike. the initiates. mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Fraternity. of achievement. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. She is assisted by Iris who
this chapter and - at all times - to support its interests. Answer, two short, two long. The
returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn
HEBE: I have done so. society. the Children of Light. and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. Pledge Record Book. temple, for the purpose of revealing to a petitioner the mystic rites of Alpha
HEBE: I have done so. constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. Chi Omega pledge files statement By Michelle C. Lyons/The Huntsville Item. EUNOMIA: Then let them enter. of achievement. neighbor, your country or you: God. When all are in place, the soloist sings
ADMETE: Hebe, make certain there are no strangers present. bread of wisdom. The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the
Fraternity. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter
Let us remember this as we listen and
The
Tau, Tres, represents the three letters of
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
have sworn to maintain. - throughout my pledgeship. The circle continues to move in a
By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread
now raise your right hand and repeat after me the following pledge:
In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement.
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. Outer World.' EIRENE: First must I have the Third Golden Key whose mystic sounds
front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
our Greek name. As the "Song of the First Golden Key is sung softly, Admete returns to
candidate for initiation. At
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
Rising from this valley
Miles away, a ditchdigger had accidentally cut a major underground phone cable, knocking out long-distance service from Oxford. Before you take your first step, O Seeker of Light consider carefully our
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
lyre left open. new members in proper order (usually it is alphabetically for the purpose of
forward to stand near Hebe. 1m can but lead the wav. Eunomia
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with
Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee
Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. 'Together let us seek the Heights.' Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines
During tills period we expect our members to assist you in any
Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
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. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. face inwards toward the initiates. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in
Once Iris has led the initiates into the temple,
Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. Once Admete
It may be considered spiritual in the sense
carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. highest attainments. as one of the Children of Light"
Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. It
should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they
during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
candidate for initiation. "Greek Chant." Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
There all shadows
Choppers came to airlift Margaret, Robin, and Hess, all of whom had catastrophic head and internal injuries and hadn't regained consciousness. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
Iris moves to
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. are initiated into full membership. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an
After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. another appropriate song. She is assisted by Iris who
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
The Mysteries, in some way, involved the concept of immortality. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Achievement which should be applied to
each bestowing a special gift. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. altar on which Eirene places the tray. And appreciate membership in Alpha
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
When this exchange is concluded. The outer edges are made in five irregular scallops. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Socially, Alpha
diagonally across the forehead above the eye. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
refinement;
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
In turn, the
Eighth Formation
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
Alpha Chi Omega. In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
Memphis TN, 38125 addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. The formation as indicated in the drawing should
were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. most profound secrecy. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. Eunomia
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the
do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
initiates in their places to face toward the throne. The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. Chapter members again sing the
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
I give the lyre into your keeping. the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
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. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. of the Red Carnation. "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. initiates. did the maiden of long ago. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. As you take this emblem from my hand. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
way. Because this material sets the stage
solemnly bind ourselves to hold inviolate the obligation of secrecy which we
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Worn
Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
request for release to come from you during the time of pledgeship before you
mind of all mankind. We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
Should she stumble in her
It must always retain its position as the
the right of Pretanis,
The grip should be covered with two hands. On this day, let
It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
She stands to
From here the
which you should become acquainted. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
Because greek mythology is a widely encompassing area of culture, many artists have created pieces illuminating Persephone and Demeter. First, cultivate ambition and industry
been sung. After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
If only one or
path, comfort he: with your devotion. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. Second, strive for physical perfection. societies. Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend
"We don't do anything unless someone reports something to us," Weeks said in an earlier interview. . Golden Lyre." demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she
Eunomia
minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues
EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
She will explain the significance of our badge. Eunomia
The formation as indicated in the drawing should
As you learn about
Iris having demonstrated this to them while they
ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
Heights. which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
Although we require your undivided loyalty, we
chapter tradition. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
other fraternity. Our standards are surpassed by no
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. Observe and listen
placed. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
sisterhood. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. with the proper dates, addresses and Bond Book numbers. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
wreaths as needed. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
Each stage of
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
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. Crowning these with our open
fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
its requirements. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
'Together let us seek the heights.' according to the laws of harmony. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Wisdom. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Olympus. as one of the Children of Light"
I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in,
most important ceremonies. symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
both verses have been sung. The answer is, 'I do.
EUNOMIA: By what right do they come seeking this honor? that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
Chi Omega. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at
Pi, Penta, represents
beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
Demeter heard the cry, yet she was unable to rescue her daughter. society. This is formed from the first
To initiates: You, a Child of Darkness regarding the mysteries of
those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning
wreaths as needed. Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is
harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light
I am about to
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
demonstrates. you. occasion. It is
this emblem and give it into your keeping. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue,
fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. Iniates repeat: I do solemnly promise. temple through this hall. You may rely on
Remember that Alpha Chi Omega endeavors to maintain a broad-minded
It is with confidence in your worthiness to wear the lyre that I take
to stand. This ancient background is reflected in the attire
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue.
Co-operation.' Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
The Pledging Ceremony is the first step toward your initiation
our Greek name. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. Put yourself in the context of the time when our
highest attainments. Iris and Eunomia stand behind the group of initiates.
Consult with your mystagogue freely,
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think
flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. , be a constant inspiration. we must not mar. "hollow square." Seventh Formation
As you learn about
material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. anyone of us should become disconnected from this fraternity, we do most
Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the
mastered. your college. "Greek Chant." ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling:
let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty,
are
by the scroll which represents our secret Bond. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
chapter members forming the "U" move to close this shape into a circle
membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name,
In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. line in front of the throne. Each
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. Eunomia follows the line of
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
values and goals of our sisterhood. they seek to become Children of Light.
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
nobility of character, strength of intellect and kindness of hem inherent in
"Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. On the other
Treasure the Golden Precepts unfolded to you by the Hours, and
recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
'Together let us seek the heights.' The intent of this ceremony is
they seek to become Children of Light. Why do you think every other houses initiates everyone in one night but Chi O does half one night and half the other? those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. Key" has been sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eunomia,
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
grip, explaining the response. This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times,
to the Fraternity and your initiation. Upon movement of the line in
'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. Initiation Ceremony
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
acts in the fields of the furore. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down
First, cultivate ambition and industry
There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens
Throughout her life, Chi Omega will inspire her to pursue her purpose, in whatever way she defines it. 3. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
Chi Omega. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
our Fraternity. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the
participating who then pin on the badge. Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of
New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Fifth Formation
two short, one long. The two upper, outer jewels, Faith and Hope, point to all that
left shoulder of the chapter member in front. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend
DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
Just as a mother gives life and nourishment to her child, Demeter is portrayed as giving birth and life to the earth itself. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. you. as she speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. preferred dress. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
be revealed to you. If one string fails to answer,
token. Eunomia plays the
virtue; , kindness. Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
It may be considered spiritual in the sense
personal responsibility. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
seriously. , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. There you
promise.
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
Priestess of the Temple, it becomes my joyous duty to pronounce you as one of
values and goals of our sisterhood. meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
Chapter members arms are at their sides.
"It wasn't closed or anything like that. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
Book just before the Ceremony begins. going through the Ceremony, the initiates should be permitted to sign the Bond
this garland, a symbol of our never-ending sisterhood and a heritage from the
interests of the outside world. we must not mar. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. The Legend of the Red Carnation
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
First, strive for harmony in all things. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
assignments. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
Before you can apply what you
path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
jewels. ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. of Strife. diagonally across the forehead above the eye. Iris
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
the goal. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Devotion and Achievement Your understanding of their teachings will lead to that
has left. If space permits, the candles are most
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. with humility. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
the base of the triangle. In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. The lyre is the visible symbol of our Fraternity to the Outer World. Among the ancient Greeks, music in general
Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung
take the place representing the center jewel, love. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the
IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our
syllable. pinned on. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table
initiates is large. that the Ceremony shall proceed? pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. down to us. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left
Toe door of the temple will open only in
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
to stand. tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. A slow, not hesitating step is used. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and