Real Merit and Worth: Lesson 6
Please read the following items to prepare for lesson six of Real Merit and Worth: The New Member Program.
- Ritual
- An Open Letter to our Newest Members
Theta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin in 1939
Ritual
The Initiation Ritual of Alpha Xi Delta was written by our ten Founders more than 100 years ago. This very special ceremony will explain to you the meanings of our symbols and the underlying truths upon which our Fraternity is based. A small part of the ceremony is repeated at chapter meetings by initiated members and also is commonly referred to as “Ritual.”
The word “ritual” comes from a Latin word that means “a way of doing.” Consciously or subconsciously, the ways you eat, sleep, work, play, study, speak and write are rituals. Religious services such as weddings and baptisms are familiar formal rituals.
Our Alpha Xi Delta Ritual is another formal ritual. The first secret organizations were established in Egypt to reveal the hidden doctrine of future life through ceremonies of initiation. During these rites, initiates of these ancient organizations, called Mystics, were entrusted with the knowledge of the secrets. Those seeking knowledge, called neophytes, traditionally observed a “proving time,” which varied in length with each group.
Symbols are signs which convey feelings, emotions or ideas. The Egyptians communicated the knowledge of their esoteric philosophy in mystic symbols. From Egypt, this system of symbols spread through Greece, Rome, and other countries of Europe and Asia. Early Christians used symbols for all rites, ceremonies and outward forms that had religious meanings.
In the late 19th century when the first fraternities and sororities were established, their roots extended back to the ceremonies of these ancient secret organizations. At that time, the usual college curriculum consisted in part of Greek, Latin, Philosophy and religion, and these disciplines influenced much of the structure of these secret societies that were forming on campuses throughout the country. These Greek organizations chose names, coats of arms, badges, mottos and colors as symbols of initiated members.
Alpha Xi Delta’s Ritual sets us apart from other Greek organizations and provides us with our basis for existence. As a link to the past, it gives us insight into the very nature of our organization. The integrity and expansion of our Fraternity depend upon the correct presentation and interpretation of the Ritual. The Ritual is the common bond that all Alpha Xi Deltas share.
Whenever the Ritual is used at chapter meetings, initiation ceremonies, and other ceremonies involving only initiated members, a member has the opportunity to reflect upon the values presented and to renew her commitment to and application of them in her life.
Your new member period is much like the time spent by the neophytes of the early secret organizations, when you learn about Alpha Xi Delta. You have already experienced one ritual of Alpha Xi Delta, the Pledging Ceremony. This began your path of learning about the belief and symbols of the Fraternity.
Until you are initiated, you will recite The Symphony much as initiated members recite our Ritual. Our Symphony is our open creed, or public statement of belief. It is the beginning of your growth toward becoming a fully initiated member of our Sisterhood.
Our Ritual seldom changes in any way, because it is a product of history. Throughout our first century, there have been times when minor changes were necessary in order for our Ritual to expand and develop with the times. The Initiation Ceremony will reveal to you the most cherished information about Alpha Xi Delta. It is a beautiful experience to which you should look forward.
An open letter to our newest members
Written for “The Inside Ink” Alpha Xi Delta’s blog, by Andi Fouberg, Past National Ritual Director
Recently, you made the same decision that I made nearly 20 years ago after receiving a small white envelope with your name on it. It sounds cliche to say it was the best decision I made during college, but it is hard to remember one that continues to have the lasting impact that pledging Alpha Xi Delta has had on my life. As you begin your journey through sisterhood, I have a few pieces of unsolicited advice for you to consider.
First, you've probably already noticed that despite the claims, your chapter Sisters are not cookie cutter or all the same. While you may have aligning interests, the differences far outnumber the similarities. This will be the place where many of you learn to sort out adult problems together. You will learn to disagree and still love one another. You will learn to recover from failed attempts. You will learn to celebrate victories. You will learn to negotiate the big things and the little things together. The bond you share in Alpha Xi Delta will guide you through difficult roads and lead you back to one another.
Sororities are social organizations, but what brought you through our door is more than that. You joined to be in the company of Sisters. You joined to be part of a group. You joined to find a balance in college that would last long after you walk across the stage at commencement. You joined because your mom is an Alpha Xi Delta. You joined because the prospect of working with Autism Speaks touched your heart. You joined because you are the first person in your family to go to college and the family aspect of sorority seemed comforting. You joined because everyone has a story and you want this to be part of yours. You joined because from the moment you walked into the room, you knew you belonged.
The women around you, and many before them, have devoted time and energy to building this chapter for you and couldn't be more excited to have you in our letters. This tradition of building for the future is how it all started over a century ago and the legacy you leave, the mark you make, is the latest link in the story of our sisterhood. The gracious and kindly hearts you show others together will define the kind of chapter you are now and in the future. You define who Alpha Xi Delta is to those you meet. This is an exciting time for you and for us, embrace it!
Welcome to this new adventure. As you learn about Alpha Xi Delta's history you will learn about 10 young women who blazed a trail for the rest of us to enjoy. How will you blaze your trail? As a class, what will your lasting legacy on Alpha Xi Delta be?
I didn't go to college planning to join a sorority; sometimes plans are overrated. What I have found far exceeds what I went looking for and I hope the same is true for you.
Have courage. Be gracious. Make peace.