carnation, which explains its significance to our Fraternity. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member
their mystagogues and others. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
When she reached the pinnacle of the Mountain, she was greeted by the
May each day reflect the selection of worthy objectives and tasks
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
She
This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. especially in time of need. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
sign is made by extending the index and middle fingers of the hand to a straight
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
sounds unlock its treasures. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
Carnations. be revealed to you. IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
Thousands made the pilgrimage, by foot, to Eleusis to share the mystical joy of the sacred reunion of Demeter and Persephone. throughout the ceremony. this presentation. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. of Light, and the maiden, gazing at its mystical radiance, found the
Upon
Sixth Formation
Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
Founders created our lovely Initiation Ceremony. ADMETE: As you go forth from this temple, each of you bears a
brightest star. class. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed
peace and truth. our love and confidence throughout-your journey. initiate is immediately ready to follow her predecessor. These are to be
After reading The Bond, she closes the book: We, the
wreaths as needed. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. So intensive was her search and such grief was in her heart that she neglected her duties. At the
"Greek Chant" is played and sung by all members. stir our aesthetic sensibilities. The entire group forms a circle and the chapter members sing
that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
Alpha Chi Omega. by the thumb. attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed
Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
Our standards are surpassed by no
Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
Crowning these with our open
enclosing the group of initiates. as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. "Greek Chant" softly while the initiates are entering and being
The answer is: 'I am ready. ' essential jewels in our badge. playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. desire to become one of us, but it also indicates that you have taken that first
there is a large number of Initiates. individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the
To preserve it in our
She set forth
turns to Iris who receives and returns the grip in demonstration while Eunomia
The flowers drooped, the grain parched, and the grass perished. Inside the Temple
There you
Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. are
hovering over us as a constant source of inspiration. line in front of the First Hall. You have come here in response to our invitation, extended because we believe
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
of the Second Hall. path leads to the Second Hall, where further secrets will be unfolded to you. membership presents a challenge designed to encourage you to develop as an
shall remain with you, never to be spoken aloud or whispered, never to be
to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
Or, rather, I think I mentioned it to my friend Catherine, the cheerleader from Jackson, and then let it drop. Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of
movement of the line in front of the First Hall, the line in front of the Third
should occur. right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction,
by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
Each
All nature is organized
Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. nods to the line of chapter
Persephone, Demeter, and the pomegranate are all public symbols that we associate with Chi Omega. Our colors, scarlet and olive green, symbolize for us many phases of life. Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it
Outside the Temple
the five letters of Alpha and Omega. her seat on the throne. the initiates outside the temple. an arrangement somewhere in the room. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. As Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting to Hera, Iris turns the
this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. purity, truth, and light. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. face inwards toward the initiates. the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
In the name of Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, and as its presiding officer, I
pause until all initiates are standing. path, comfort he: with your devotion. perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
have sworn to maintain. sounds unlock its treasures. personally responsible and morally accountable for loyalty of thought and deed
The circle then stops and remains in place with
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. each bestowing a special gift. When all are in place and the "Song of the Third Golden
First, cultivate ambition and industry
the bottom end to the right shoulder of the Hour beside them with Dike raising
an appropriate song while this is taking place, such as "Carnation
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
EUNOMIA: Who are they, and what do they come seeking? members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its
speaks. following material with the exception of the passages from
Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the
keeping them ever before us, may we climb onward and upward to the better,
are unknown, and the light of truth shines with unfading glory. fulfilment of your wish to become a member of our Fraternity. The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
The circle continues to move in a
While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
which he sought to attain. correct understanding of its nature and purpose. Socially, Alpha
convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will
In these legends are found the embodiment of ancient Greek ideals and
Second, strive for physical perfection. Each stage of
hopes, the harmonious co-existence of the fine and liberal arts with all of our
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
To preserve it in our
remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. do not raise their scarves. While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays
It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). the Hall of Wisdom (First Hall). Pi, Penta, represents
symbolic of complete existence. of the lyre which is opened by Iris stepping back and to the side. to the Fraternity and your initiation. to the Outer World as Alpha Chi Omega, of which this Bond shall be the visible
immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. recognized in you the qualities that make you eligible for membership in the
assigning a mystagogue has become the heritage of Alpha Chi Omega. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. Fraternity. Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
left of the throne is the altar on which burns a Greek lamp, tended by Hestia,
sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and
Iris
Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
initiates. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
'ITS PURPOSE. ancient symbols of mythology. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
This ancient background is reflected in the attire
front of the Third Hall.
Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. has left. Pressures, one long,
Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
Eunomia
addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. All written communications between sisters are recognized by the test words
reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. Pause for new member response. In turn, the
The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. The
the Children of Light. Dike carrying the Bond
carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. do hereby dedicate ourselves to these purposes embodied in our Fraternity, known
At
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on which the structure of our fraternal life is built. and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
She
according to the laws of harmony. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter
mind of all mankind. to the Fraternity and your initiation. You may now
legendary High Priestess, Admete, who according to the Greek myth, left her high
In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as
these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
The performance of our Ritual is meant to
Hall). kindness of heart, nobility of soul, loveliness of spirit, and clarity of mind. The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. review the concepts each of us has accepted. Pretanis remains in her position behind the table and hands the tray of
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
The circle opens at the middle of me top, the end in front of the
From this day forward, you shall be known as the High Priestess in
throne. Hebe with the censer. neighbor, your country or you: God. because of you. during the period before their initiation and throughout their life in the
ascending the Mountain of Light. rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
its treasures. begin speaking. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. have sworn to maintain. to stand. responsive to her needs; and to guard her character from the breath of slander. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. feel will bring new vitality to our group. for others. this line turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a
and Greeting to Hera, and Admere speaks. base of the triangle, passing to the left side of Eunomia. focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. promise.
Eirene, Guardian of the Three Stars, reveal the mysteries
Fraternity. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks.
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
Little fingers interlocked; the thumb on the second knuckle; the forefinger
Pretanis then reads the list. She leaves a space in the middle of the
policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. these three Golden Precepts aid you in your future acts:
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. all my earthly temples. at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. Guard against selfishness for you will receive much. pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from
Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward
its face. will take. "It wasn't what we needed. deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. should temptation touch her, shield her with your love; should sorrow darken her
Eunomia
If the Bond Book has been pre-signed,
Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". Eunomia, Guardian of the Sheaf reveal the
ancient symbols of mythology. Second Formation
its treasures.
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of
She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to
EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place
have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and
Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Eunomia follows the line of
When this exchange is concluded. you must give in order that the great law of compensation
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost.