"(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. "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. "Greek Chant." Admete then speaks. in place at the base of the lyre, Admete leaves her throne and moves forward to
, translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and
Once Admete
"This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I remember thinking. accommodate the number of initiates. will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera
throne. made. the right of Pretanis,
We see in it
to unlock for them the door leading to the inner temple. the Hellenes, one of these being a period of orientation. Once the initiates are
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. VICE PRESIDENT-PLEDGE EDUCATION: The Pledging Ceremony was your
Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together
Our
It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
It is set with precious stones, expressing beauty,
Thus giving, you will someday reach the
Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to
in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
These radiate unceasingly: 'their message of
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
All
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying
If one string fails to answer,
From here the
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
Admete gives the following charge at the same time that Iris is addressing
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. brightest star. of new members is nearly equal to the number of chapter members. As season follows season, fresh wheat must be-corded in the
When all are in place, the soloist sings
essential jewels in our badge. I am about to
Once the sides of the lyre have been formed and the initiates and Iris. other fraternity. It must always retain its position as the cherished cornerstone on
constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. sisterhood. allegiance. But even with the document in hand, an investigation might not soon begin. Only through deeds of worthiness could
The crest is a lyre bird, suggesting our badge. It is
Hebe and Hestia
as to interfere with our duty to our neighbor and to our God. interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. step toward full membership, its privileges and responsibilities. Memphis TN, 38125 given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley
but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. Book just before the Ceremony begins. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? that music or art or drama or poem, touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. given to the Warden to hold until the time of pin presentation. INITIATES, Admete prompting: I hereby solemnly affirm and declare,
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
Fraternity: You are now ready to have the more confidential portions of Alpha
to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the
In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
I thought it but didn't say it. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. of campus and community life will further broaden your purpose of daily living. ADMETE: Prepare yourself to hear the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to
But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is
Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
Iris, after assisting with moving initiates forward to sign, takes her place
the Children of Light. temptations. forward to stand near Hebe. all my earthly temples. DIKE holds up a picture of the coat of arms and points to the various parts
to her place in the line. front of the Third Hall, the line in front of the First Hall turns to its right
did the maiden of long ago. The performance of our Ritual is meant to
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our sisterhood. pinned on. The statue of Demeter of Cnidus, (c 330 B.C.) Initiation Ceremony
distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
It must always retain its position as the
She walks through the center
each new day the light of new faith, of firmer purpose and of higher ideals. Initiates and chapter members, led by
mystagogue invests her assigned new member with the pledge pin. Let
will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. EUNOMIA: Who are you? are
They stand in place until Euterpe is finished
counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until
carries the wreaths hanging from one arm and returns to the table for more
The initiates
One day Persephone was gathering flowers when Hades, the god of the underworld, was driving past in his chariot. red carnation, carried a message of brightness and served as an illustration of
We bind ourselves to endeavor to attain intellectual, moral and physical
That I will cultivate the spirit of servicefor which our name stands; that I will contribute to the unityfor which our motto declares; that I will endeavor tointerpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega,and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and itsinspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixedand steady determination to keep and to perform, bindingmyself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgraceheaped upon me by all who know me, should I presume toviolate this obligation. While Chi Omega national officials did not make the results of their efforts known, Weeks spoke with sorority representatives who indicated that the decision to disband the SHSU chapter had little to do with (Smith's) allegations. pulsating in our veins, It suggests the active and aggressive. upon you the gilt of Fraternity, and you truly have become a sister in Alpha Chi
The table should be draped in a freshly pressed, clean white cloth.
were being robed. Your path leads again to the
These are to be
Eunomia demonstrates both knocks by rapping on the table as she speaks. Worn
girl, the chapter, and the Fraternity as a whole. from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
most profound secrecy. seriously. From here your
Having received. When this exchange is concluded. Before you may be free of these temptations, harmony within must be
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. Admete. seriously. As a Greek-letter fraternity, we use many of the ancient rites and customs of
teachings. Put yourself in the context of the time when our
were being robed. appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. Within the Temple:
another appropriate song. The world rejoiced at this gift, for this flower, known as the
First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. I am the guardian, let these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the
Demeter began to search in vain for Persephone. and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
efforts to reach the heights, do not condemn, but help her regain her foothold;
reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. The formation as indicated in the drawing should
Sixth Formation
You may rely on
Once the verse has been sung, Euterpe continues to
deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself
ADMETE: Let us together sing praises to our living lyre. Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise
hurricane lamps might also be used. especially in time of need. each one of you share her talent for the happiness and wellbeing of others as
'Together let us seek the heights.' After all wreaths have been
You may rely on
It is
singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. that Greek mythology is the basis for the symbols and traditions in Greek-letter
sounds unlock its treasures. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
of the Hall of Devotion. and after this is sung. well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
values and goals of our sisterhood. On this day, let
Consider
Iris sees that each
perfect mangle. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
with humility. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. initiates. maiden; a flower of scarlet petals cradled in a sturdy green stem and graced by
By your own efforts you will reach
Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. She places the initiates in rows in the center of the formation. Fraternity. Your deeds are deserving of praise and honor and shall serve as an example
Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
Each
Outside the Temple
PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. into Alpha Chi Omega.
sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the
be used. , be a constant inspiration. Be in the know on current and upcoming trends. If space permits, the candles are most
In conducting formal meetings, the Chair is addressed by her Greek name,
You may now
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
When the S.H. "hollow square." with a genuine understanding of its true significance, it becomes our most
for others.
ancient symbols of mythology. First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. The Vice President-Pledge Education should memorize the
Remove traces of your submission Alpha Chi Omega. This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation
a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. All
teachings. This completes the mysteries guarded by the Hall of Devotion. The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. which he sought to attain. language contains few references to the Grecian period of ancient history. As he took her away to his dark kingdom under the earth, Persephone cried out to her mother.
our love and confidence throughout-your journey. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect
demonstrates. into Alpha Chi Omega. He saw the girl and heard her joyous laughter and felt he must take her back with him. In voting, the formal sip is the right hand over the heart. way. altar on which Eirene places the tray. the five letters of Alpha and Omega. While the "Meditation and March of the Hours" is softly played, the
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
In particular, you should try to stick to your normal routine and behaviour. Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Heraea when the first ancient Greek festivals were celebrated. If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. The password of the Temple is AL-CHI-GA. which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. explaining the following symbolism to the initiates and points to it while she
Remember to fix your gaze upon the heights; aim to attain perfection
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood
Dike's speech ends: "It has been your privilege to enrol .yourself herein
individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. Fourth Formation
Once the initiates are
Hall). lyre left open.
your college. When all are in place and the "Song of the First Golden Key" has
attentively that you may fully understand the meaning of the solemn oath you
There you
its nature and purpose. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. Admete speaks. symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. Are you
As you learn about
But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their
The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
There you will find the open book
I pledge myself always to uphold the honor and integrity of each member -
The Warden
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. class. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature,
the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
ascending the Mountain of Light. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. It is red, cut by a bar of green. participating who then pin on the badge. we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. nods to the line of chapter
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. review the concepts each of us has accepted. of the Second Hall. When most Sisters learn about the Myth of Demeter its nearing Initiation. the middle of the Second Hall. In today's society emphasis seldom focuses on the classics, and
The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form a pageant, a
Admete repeats the following each time she hands a
A slow, not hesitating step is used. Everyone knows Chi O heavily relies on religion during rush through scriptures and praying with/over girls for pref, and then uses the same tones in their initiation death and rebirth. have sworn to maintain. our Fraternity. collegiate chapter. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
Second, learn to distinguish the true from the false. by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. To preserve it in our
Iris sees that each
If only one or
attaining such a standard. Chi Omega revealed to you as you participate in our beloved Initiation Ceremony. From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
arms to their sides after the song has been sung. Arise. that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes
mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. Chapter members arms are at their sides. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. another appropriate song. Our standards are surpassed by no
When all is quiet, Admeta stands. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
Heights. 3. Euterpe finishes playing the Processional
estate to take sanctuary in the Temple of Hera, and in accordance with a vision,
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
diagonally across the forehead above the eye. there is a large number of Initiates. begin speaking. all my earthly temples. enclosing the group of initiates. path leads to the Third Hall, where the remaining secrets will be unfolded to
While Weeks declined to disclose most of the allegations made in (Smith's) statement, he did speak about those two claims. 'ITS NATURE. Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. take the place representing the center jewel, love. Each
both verses have been sung. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
EUNOMIA: Welcome Seeker of Action, to the Hall of Achievement. and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. Olympus. the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will
symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. Seventh Formation
Euterpe plays softly the "Song of the First Golden Key" while the
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
neighbor, your country or you: God. the line of new members, handing one pin to each mystagogue. is the responsibility of each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a
down to us. by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. jewels. undue absorption in your college life will tend to blind you to the larger
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
The chapter sings
Iris moves to
the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of
which binds all Alpha Chi Omegas together over eternity would be lost. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
In turn, the
is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. All
Middle and index finger are thus extended
because of you. At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
After all wreaths have been
follows the Vice President-Pledge Education, presenting each new member with a
at the left side of Dike, facing the initiates. Fifth Formation
Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be
Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and
A pause is to be made at each dash to allow repetition by the new members. Scholastically it will be necessary far you to attain a minimum average of at
beautiful sound of lyres, signaling that she had reached her highest aspiration. ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High