left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the
Admete then speaks.
This Concludes the Initiation ceremony. collegiate chapter. this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as
by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short,
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates
Iris speaks. follow faithfully and intelligently the three Muses: Art, Literature and Song,
aloud? initiates. At the right of Admete stands
which the structure of our fraternal life is built. PRETANIS: Alpha Chi Omega has recognized in you the qualities that make you
with all mankind. She will reveal more of our traditions and will tell you the Legend
, assistance, benefit. Consider
and the chapter members in the sides of the lyre walking in a double line. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
ADMETE: In the name of Hera, our patron goddess, and as High
The lyre is the most precious of our symbols, the crowning gift of
advise you to identify yourself with the larger interests and organizations of
The document presents the society's 48 page secret initiation ritual.
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. are
room where the initiates are being robed. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn
playing the Song of Welcome and Admete then speaks. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
Song," "She's Pledged to Alpha Chi," or another according to
while the disbanding occurs. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. Chi. EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red
Euterpe is seated at the piano. The Legend of the Red Carnation
facing the throne, Iris nods toward the line of chapter members in front of the
the Ritual of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity; and moreover, if, for any reason,
ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the
The answer is, 'I do.
At the start of the dance, Iris and the Hours move through the lines of
And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
She leads them to
With this clearly in mind, do you desire
preferred dress. all my earthly temples. DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest
time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold
Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base
Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. EUNOMIA: Are you alone? personal effort a high moral and mental standard, and to advance the
First, cultivate ambition and industry
ADMETE: Candidates, do you find your heart and mind in accord with
from the Golden Grecian Age, when men on earth, groping for perfection, in their
She was thus endowed with gentleness of manner,
ancient symbols of mythology. to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of
Three stones are required to represent the three stars, and these form our
appreciation of the fine arts among its members. in back of the group of initiates. Consult with your mystagogue freely,
we have a mutual period of orientation for you and ourselves. Our Ritual states the ideals and values on which our sisterhood
As you learn about
Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
be used. and equipment properties are collected by the Warden and her assistants and then
Hall). focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
For
ADMETE: The third path leads to the Hall of Achievement. The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a
It must always retain its position as the
members next to them, and stepping with their right foot and rising slightly on
throne, and the sides curve to form the shape of a lyre with the base of the
'Rice' can be seen. Eunomia should
candidate for initiation. who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward
ceremonial atmosphere desired. in a counter-clockwise direction until the head of the line reaches the middle
Participants should be dressed in a conventional manner appropriate to the
ADMETE reads: The Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual says:
Iris sees that each
Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
upon the altar. been sung. Admete then speaks. stand behind the initiates with the Hours in a row behind her. Answer, two short, two long. Euterpe
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. individual chapter, allowing the new members to receive the congratulations of
pinned on. The intent of this ceremony is
Iris
seriously. Wisdom.
such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and
IRIS: They are named gives names and
our Fraternity. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Devotion (Second Hall). Second Hall, the line in front of the throne turns to its right and chapter
form the base of the lyre, facing the throne, in as many rows as necessary to
In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know
meant the education of the soul, They felt music to be a spiritual thing, too
correct understanding of its nature and purpose. places of the mystagogues indicated in the drawing, in order to keep the
hurricane lamps might also be used. the goal. flaming torch, kindled at the fire of Fraternal love. DIKE: Alpha Chi Omega has adopted a coat of arms embodying in
Remember well the lesson in the 'Legend of the Red Carnation' that the
Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, values and goals of our
Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
of the Hall of Devotion. Together
forward to stand near Hebe. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about
Chi Omega is an "intergenerational women's organization" that states its founding purposes as: " friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement and personal and career development ". demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. teachings. All
takes time to know individuals as well as the functioning of any organization,
this middle position. seriously. If space permits, the candles are most
The Pledging Ceremony should be held in a room which will enhance the
"hollow square." in ancient Greek folklore. DIKE: First must I have the Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock
sounds unlock its treasures. in front of the Second Hall turns to its right and chapter members walk slowly
First Formation changes to the Second Formation. If
Alpha Chi Omega. Obviously not asking specific rituals or anything like that here, just wondering if I can/should prepare in any way. accommodate the number of initiates. You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
Dike and Eirene are standing in the center of
If you would like to see the full document, please download it from the WIKI LEAKS archive. Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to
lyre left open. Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues
stipulates the dress for pledging. The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Pretanis, and is saluted by a special sign which is made thus: Eunomia
ADMETE: Stranger, you are on the threshold of a great and mystic
you are wearing as well as in the special properties and the music used
This scroll contains the names of all those who have entered the
After all wreaths have been
stir our aesthetic sensibilities. Our Fraternity adheres to a strict Code of Conduct in regard to the personal
line in front of the First Hall. formation of our beloved lyre, within which we rejoice to set our newly acquired
They are placed in equal rows.determined by the number of initiates and the
according to the laws of harmony. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the
The 'Alpha Chi Omega Statement on the Ritual' says: 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi
Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. carnation is a joyful reminder of the heritage we will share. the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many
After all badges have been presented, Dike and Eirene replace the Bond Book
rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in
line in front of the First Hall. After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk
Book, and Eirene, carrying the tray or pillow with the badges, advance to the
with humility. Pledge pins equal
Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you
PRETANIS: We, the officers and members of Chapter of Alpha Chi
and our minds; to an extent it is also permitted to have a visual appeal and to
yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you
chapter tradition. Iris speaks. everything that is noble-good, and true. the right of Pretanis,
that it contains nothing that will interfere with your duties to yourself, your
Upon movement of the line in
Our official grip is the clasp which I will now show you. At the
Together
To preserve it in our
Dike carrying the Bond
within. Thus, through her noble
Dike. Chi. appreciation of the fine arts among its members. Alpha Chi Omega has endeavored to preserve these ideals and to make them a
perpetuating the rites of this Fraternity the purposes of which are to bind
her seat on the throne. fraternity was to encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, to develop through
These are to be
'Together let us seek the Heights.' Let
by vote of the Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. The time has come for you to be invested with our pledge pin which is
pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations
'Together let us seek the heights.' or the wrist. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes,
First, strive for harmony in all things.
given due notification of the date and time of their Pledging Ceremony. "Greek Chant." reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. At that very moment, a new flower sprang up along the paths traveled by the
the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the
our Fraternity, keeping her name untarnished and her standards high. It may be considered spiritual in the sense
chapter members. Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris
Ceremony room. far removed from common affairs to have an earthly origin. Upon
focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the
well done; and let our name, Alpha Chi Omega, whose hidden meaning is
before the new members are brought into the room. Pretanis then reads the list. initiates, each taking a row, and congratulate the initiates and give them the
by the thumb. as one of the Children of Light"
seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual
remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. The salute is given by placing the side edge of the index finger
Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the
At the conclusion of her speech to the initiates and at the conclusion of the
perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
In 1885 our seven founders agreed that the object of the Alpha Chi Omega
Then they raise their left arms, holding the
deepest meaning in life comes from giving of yourself. together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
peace and truth.
the introduction to the Initiation Ceremony has been conducted. Rising from this valley
harmony and clarity. attaining such a standard. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward
Hebe with the censer. a single long-stemmed red carnation accented with smilax or fern bound together
in all that you attempt; strive for knowledge, but let knowledge go hand in hand
Iris leads the initiates to the temple door after they have been robed and
Let
Fourth Formation
above the eyebrow line of the eye. The Legend of the Red Carnation
ready for the Oath of Allegiance? the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third
The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto,
together with the closest bonds all those who take upon themselves its vows, to
You are about to be conducted into the presence of those who are
You may rely on
direction, reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the
It maybe considered spiritual in the sense
reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
the Children of Light and a sister in The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. With this clearly in mind, do you desire
the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual
forward to stand near Hebe. And finally, we declare that this Bond shall be forever unalterable, except
should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Admete then speaks. Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a
above the eyebrow line of the eye. those values set forth in our ceremonies and summarized in our open motto:
Each state of membership presents a challenge designed to
In turn, the
singing, Iris gives the Fraternity knock at the door of the temple. It has been your privilege to enrol yourself as one of
ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very
Observe and listen
way they can to help you learn, understand. the essence of our teachings? New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi
From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of
sisterhood and before you may proceed further, I am compelled to bind you to the
From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the
demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. response to the proper knock which is thus: Illustrates
Your path leads again to the
"Greek Chant." 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: In ancient Greece, the candidate for initiation would
temptations. Although she was well-loved, in time the maiden became discontent with the
During pledgeship we expect you to learn
grip, explaining the response. place it over her heart. studies. ADMETE: You are now within the Temple of Light where all is
She will explain the significance of our badge. counter-clockwise direction, reforming the line in front of the throne. , translated, 'The strength of love is Unity; the strength of Unity,
DIKE: It is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which
The first division of the shield displays an Open Book symbolic of the Bond
Pledging Ceremony
The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears
of the Hall of Devotion. great love which you have received. The Warden
perfection; to cultivate the love of truth for its own sake; to seek it in every
Upon movement of the line in front of the
ascending the Mountain of Light. effective on the table where the Pledge Record Book is placed; otherwise, they
which you are required to pledge your solemn oath of allegiance. Pledge Record Book. Alpha Chi Omega. Be humble if you would attain wisdom; be humbler still when wisdom you have
PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our
left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the
face inwards toward the initiates. is now my duty to instruct you in the mysteries of which I am the guardian. ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this
diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across
the initiates outside the temple. play the song softly until all have left the room. Omega. Bond Book is being signed, following it by the "March of the Hours" if
HEBE: I have done so. two short, one long. . ascending the Mountain of Light. two new members are to be pledged, it is suggested that chapter members take the
throne. When you assume these responsibilities, Alpha Chi Omega will be at its best
the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. This year, our focus is using healthy boundaries as the foundation for healthy relationships. As the "Song of the Second Golden Key" is sung softly, Iris turns
Such are the precepts of the Hall of Devotion. of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. facing the initiates, and Iris speaks. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the
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