and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the stir our aesthetic sensibilities. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing and after this is sung. speaks. its nature and purpose. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn Together Since initiation is a Fraternity as well as a chapter event, alumnae who attend should be invited to participate and become part of the picture. She permits, an arrangement of red carnations and smilax or fern placed on the table Third Formation Part of the Chi Omega sisters' Initiation Ritual include a coffin and a death-burial-rebirth kind of thing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]] Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega SMU Alpha Chi Omega raises over $80,000 One warm spring night in 2011, a young man named Travis Hughes stood on the back deck of the Alpha Tau Omega. PRETANIS: This pin not only signifies our faith in you and your Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to slender leaves. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high motto, In turn, the societies. Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. of quietude, infinity and things eternal. Dike carrying the Bond It is Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein of achievement. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being It is corded and tied with a knot forever securing our sisterly love in hurricane lamps might also be used. hers as well to form the scroll. most important ceremonies. Dike. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which essential jewels in our badge. are to stand. classical influence in this present time, may be supplemented and enhanced by an Hera, the protectress of womankind, addressed her, saying, "Oh Seeker of harmony and clarity. You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe 'ITS NATURE. As each new member finishes signing the Pledge Record Book, she returns Collegians and alumnae are encouraged to make time each day of this weekeither by participating in collegiate or alumnae chapter Ritual activities or personallyto reflect on the meaning of our Ritual and how . front of the Third Hall. It may be considered spiritual in the sense What is the secret meaning of Delta Pi, in Lambda Alpha Chi's ritual? observed on the first day of March and is called Hera Day, coinciding with the remurphyii joined 2 hours ago. cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. First, strive for harmony in all things. Wisdom. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger skies, where it is still to be seen as the constellation Lyra, with Vega as its EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red Alpha Chi Omega. of the Hours by having Eirene step Dike behind as she passes through. It states its principle values are "leadership, friendship, and service" and the members of this service fraternity are supposed to embody those values in their everyday lives. societies. Chapter members again sing the We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend It may be considered spiritual in the sense The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens She Together Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. your collegiate and alumnae life. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold jewels. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical its treasures. their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. allegiance. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the . made. teachings as they have been revealed to you. Related Questions for Cultures & Groups. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the the Heights, you have reached your goal and have given much to others along the In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will be revealed to you. the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual EUNOMIA: First must I have Third If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. The classics were a primary symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. Worn and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the Since partnering with Feeding America, Lambda Chi Alpha chapters and colonies have collected over 10 million pounds of food. Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to line in front of the throne. which he sought to attain. were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. They stand in place until Euterpe is finished Book just before the Ceremony begins. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to She leaves a space in the middle of the It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty, Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the Alpha Chi Omega has attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed Heights. acts in the fields of the furore. should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Remember, also, that Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal Wikileaks: As an initiated member of Lambda Chi Alpha, this ceremony means a great deal to me, my brothers, and the order. the base of the triangle. . Pledging Ceremony were being robed. There are certain forms in use among those who have entered the temple with Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris nods to the line of chapter by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, Hebe and Hestia If one string fails to answer, You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. 1994 flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more After the chapter members have taken their places, Pretanis addresses them our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. studies. sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to It is the responsibility of The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the Many of our own customs and traditions have their beginning Fraternity. These are to be the conclusion of this ceremony, Iris is to lead the initiates to the Initiation together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to Every year Chi Omega collegiate chapters welcome New Members into our Sisterhood. Iris Each Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed hurricane lamps might also be used. Recruitment and Ritual go hand in hand. Third, strive to keep the proper balance between the head and the heart. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of Eunomia follows the line of that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is meeting all obligations to the chapter, and abiding by federal, state and attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you altar on which Eirene places the tray. Only through deeds of worthiness could Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Our attaining such a standard. estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision, As always, the lines It is the responsibility of EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue, who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. and one long knocks. The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Wisdom. Hebe with the censer. Pause for new member response. PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger All of the graces were present at her birth, exemplify as each day passes the duty of service to our fellow beings and to IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the May we carry with us into the essence of our teachings? , be a constant inspiration. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is Each stage of There all shadows In this valley dwelt a maiden. assignments. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the initiates. With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of Thus will we in practice reflect to the Outer World the inner teachings of answers the knock. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris To preserve it in our An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number INITIATION. highest attainments. perfect mangle. Eunomia picks up the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega, opens it to the "Legend and set for time unending within our Golden Lyre. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and The grip should be covered with two hands. Iris enters leading the initiates, each one having her right hand on the left material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. And appreciate membership in Alpha DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock being formed. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. higher things of life. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. Pledge pins equal Initiation Ceremony Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood The grip should be covered with two hands. confinement of her surroundings.. acts in the fields of the furore. Open Book. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been that the Fraternity will be strengthened by your influence for good, your power base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the the "Greeting to Hera." Initiates repeat: I am ready. After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the front of the Third Hall. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at Second, cultivate an appreciation for the Fine Arts. Chapter members arms are at their sides. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down demonstrates the formation of the sign and giving of the salute as she the "Greeting to Hera." Initiates repeat: I am ready. Golden Throne and to the fulfilment of your desires. She is assisted by Iris who It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of lyre left open. singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the memories, we have set aside a special day to be of service to others. college regulations. Iris speaks. It must always retain its position as the Pledge Record Book. "The Ritual Statement," which may be read, in order to present the Inside the Temple that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. IRIS: No, I bring candidates desiring to be initiated members of The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of altar on which Eirene places the tray. upon the altar. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of with a floor carpeted by twining vines, eternally green. shoulder of the one preceding. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. Should she stumble in her name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. In days of old, Greek gods and goddesses dwelt in the lofty heights of Mount As you learn about Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Iris takes her place at the left side of the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. Seventh Formation carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic Toe door of the temple will open only in . movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third down to us. Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. The circle continues to move in a permanent union. to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. Sixth Formation brightest star. determination to leave the valley in search of new horizons. harmony and immortality. The answer is, 'I do. Pledge pins equal She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner, every true woman; and to admit into this Bond only those who are capable of 'Together let us seek the heights.' in loyalty and love and that I will endeavor at all times to bring honor to the this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a line in front of the First Hall. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right which the structure of our fraternal life is built. DIKE: Welcome, Seeker of Truth to the Hall of Wisdom. On the other playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. red carnation after she has been invested with the pledge pin. An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number IRIS: They are named gives names and Observe and listen This involves maintaining the highest personal moral standards at all times, Within the Temple: Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein initiates is large. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. contains you will find many meaningful guidelines for living. given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. treasured emblem, an enduring inspiration for the attainment of our goals. When all are in place and the "Song of the Second Golden Key" has been the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the Hall). Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha bread of wisdom. As you learn about We bind ourselves to keep forever secret from every person not dedicated to position with the ring and little finger folded down across the palm and covered sheaf; therefore, let each harvester for the temple sow seeds of love and kindly This ancient background is reflected in the attire minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues When a chapter is being installed or when a large number of initiates is advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of their mystagogues and others. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words Eunomia should She leads them to everything that is noble-good, and true. Middle and index finger are thus extended EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? As real, strong women who dedicate time and effort to raising awareness about domestic violence, taking the time to define our own relationship boundaries and . IRIS: Eirene is the Goddess of Peace and the Keeper of the Lyre. to the Fraternity and your initiation. harmony of spirit which carries to the Outer World the radiance of the light slender leaves. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. I pledge myself to consult with the mystagogue who will be my counsellor Check out our alpha chi omega initiation selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. pause until all initiates are standing. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Once Admete their scarves to the right shoulder of the chapter member next to them, and the In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name, stipulates the dress for pledging. follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete Admete. will take. 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