Organization of Triangles
Ritual of the Rose Degree
2006
Officers will not retire, but instead will remove their sashes at their
stations. Officers do not move from their stations. Flower colors will be as
follows: Sr. Lady, Red; Jr. Lady, Pink; Guardian, Yellow; Chaplain, White. Queen
will call upon the marshals to assemble any Past State Directors west of the
Altar and escort them to the east. Special guests will assemble in the east in
the following order: Past State Director, State Director, Queen, Deputy State
Director, and Past State Director/PBQ.
Beloved Queen/PBQ: Throughout the course of history, roses have
had a very special place in the existence of the human spirit. To people
everywhere, they have represented many things, depending on their color,
occasion, and sentiment. Songs have been written about them, poetry has been
recited with the Rose as the main attraction, and husbands have given their
wives a dozen or so when they have done something wrong. There is no other
flower that quite compares to the rose, and it is for this reason that Triangle
Girls identify with it.
To Triangle Girls, the rose is a distinct reference to our founder, Mrs. Rose
E. Scherer, and more intrinsically, it has become a symbol of sisterhood for all
of our members. The unique relationship that it has left is a relationship
between the State Directors and the Triangle Girls across the state. The
positions of State Director and Deputy State Director are very important in
giving Triangle its leadership and strength to continue to build "A Finer
American Womanhood." This Rose Degree is not only in memory of the woman
who originated the role, but also the women who have and who will follow in her
footsteps.
Senior Lady: In the Spring, the rose blooms full and vibrant. As
each morning dawns, a dewy mist will cover the rose’s soft and velvety petals.
If you put the rose to your nose, you will inhale one of the gentlest scents you
will ever know. If you prick yourself on one of its thorny branches, the overall
beauty of the rose is enough to give a moment of pleasure.
Junior Lady: The rose in the summertime begins to wilt and fade
away with the harshness of the sun. The source of life that has nourished it a
few months ago has taken its toll on this flower we have come to cherish today
and yet its sweet simplicity still remains. It can still bring a smile to the
lips of those in despair and it lends hope for the future.
Guardian: In the fall, there is nothing left of the rose. It has
wilted away to stems and thorns. This time if one touches a thorn, there is no
beauty to numb the pain. There is, however, a reflective thought that it won’t
be too much longer before it returns so that we may enjoy it’s beautiful
treasures again.
Chaplain: In the winter, the rose bushes are covered by soft
blankets of snow. No one can tell that nearly a year ago, the Queen of the
garden made her home here. No one knows of the beautiful wonders that lie
beneath, and no on will know until spring comes and the cycle of the seasons
begins again.
After all officers recite their parts, they all advance to the alter as they
would for a prayer to the music "The Rose" with the remaining members
of the Triangle performing motion choir along the sides of the room. Officers
stand silently at the altar with their heads bowed. At the conclusion of the
song, officers hand Queen their roses. Then, all with the exception of the
Queen, will take three steps back and return to their seats, no one sitting.
Queen addresses the audience.
Beloved Queen/PBQ: Normally, the red rose would be placed on the
altar in memory of Rose E. Scherer. But now, we are going to place a white rose
on the altar, not because she is no longer with us, but because it represents
her memories and experiences as State Director. We know that wherever she is
today, her memories are still with her in her heart. The Triangle Girls of today
never had the opportunity to meet her, but we still owe her a debt of gratitude
for creating our beautiful organization.
After white rose has been left beside or near the Founder’s Day red one,
she takes her three steps back and then turns to join the guests in the east.
She then turns to the Past State Directors.
We give any past State Directors pink roses because they experienced what
Rose. E. Scherer experienced as State Director. They have a special connection
and bond with hundreds of Triangle Girls. The love they received has never gone
away, but because it is in the past, it is not as strong and vibrant as it once
was. Those memories and the love they experienced has also begun to fade, even
though they will still remain, perhaps vague, deep in their mind and heart.
Turns to DSD.
To our Deputy State Director, we give the yellow rose, symbolizing the spirit
of peace and friendship. You are walking in the footsteps of the State Director
so that someday, you may lead this organization. The harmony you share with her
lends a special ambiance to the continuity of our order. Yellow is also a symbol
of hope. You have much to look forward to in your capacity as Deputy State
Director, and we hope that you will be inspired to higher ambitions through the
years.
Finally turns to SD.
And to our State Director, we now give you the Red Rose, symbolic of
everything Rose E. Scherer has left behind. It can be assumed that she is
present in your thoughts, in everything you do. Your magic and experiences are
at its peak because you are our current State Director. The Red rose also means
love. Triangle Girls of the past loved and admired Mrs. Scherer, just as the
Triangle Girls of today love and admire you.
These roses are filled with love from the Organization of Triangles, Inc. May
they touch your heart as well as Mrs. Sherer’s.
Marshals return the past State Directors to their seats, and the east is
seated. And then, Queen raps to seat the members.
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