In today’s world of high crime rates, promiscuity, disrespect and broken promises, it’s refreshing to know that there are still a number of people out there who can set an honorable goal and attain it, regardless of the personal sacrifice. Such is the case with those who wear a religious promise ring. This is far more than just a decoration or symbol. It’s a way of life and a commitment made by the one on whose finger it rests.
Historically, rings have been used to symbolize commitment in a number of ways. Whether an engagement ring, wedding ring, friendship ring or a ring which represents a particular vow having been made, these tokens of love, courage and sacrifice have very significant meanings and are often indicative of a commitment that lasts a lifetime. Regardless of how simple or extravagant the presentation, these never-ending circles of love reflect an attitude of continuity and strength of character.
Just as there are many styles of religious promise rings, there are also many meanings behind them. One of the most popular contemporary incentives for donning a religious promise ring is the desire to make a vow of sexual abstinence until marriage. Teenagers all over America have turned away from the more popular attitude of sexual freedom and embraced the more traditional concept of chastity. This commitment – and the ring which signifies it – is not limited to young women. There are plenty of young men who have opted to follow this path, as well, which is the reason that religious promise rings are forged for both genders.
Religious promise rings may also reflect special devotions that are held by those who wear them. For instance, a devotion to the Blessed Mother is a common practice within the Catholic community. Men and women of all ages who enjoy a particular closeness to her wear rings signifying such, along with a promise to pattern their lives after hers. This particular promise is many-faceted, since the Blessed Mother is the embodiment of purity, selflessness, sacrifice and maternal love. These devotions may be unique to the individual or part of a larger group of those who share a common bond. In many cases, those who are members of such organized groups gather together on a regular basis – often weekly – to join in the Rosary and take part in readings from a Marian book.
The devotion to a particular saint is another motivation for the wearing of a religious promise ring. Just as in the case of those who commit themselves to emulating the life of the Blessed Mother, the bearer of such a ring vows to practice a lifestyle that is conducive to the saint of his or her choice, or makes a particular promise to the saint with whom he or she feels a special bond, such as their patron saint or the saint whose name they chose for their Confirmation.
A more unique – and contemporary – version of the religious promise ring is the purity ring. In this scenario, a child makes a special vow to his or her parent to remain chaste until marriage or to abstain from alcohol or drugs. Since this is a moral conviction, a religious promise ring – known, in this case, as a purity ring – is donned by the young person as a constant reminder of their commitment to living a life of purity. In some cases, both parties wear matching rings which symbolize this promise – the child’s, a physical representation of the vow; the parent’s, an assurance of guidance and support relating to their son’s or daughter’s commitment.
The symbols that may be found on promise rings vary, with no particular design being assigned to a specific vow or devotion. Whether in silver, gold, pewter or stainless steel, these representations of love, purity and commitment signify the coming of an age when the world may not be quite so amoral after all.
It should be noted that, while Catholic devotions – such as those to the Blessed Mother and the saints – have been highlighted, religious promise rings and the meanings attached to them are not specific to the Catholic community. These rings are more specific to the individuals – or members of an entire family - who wear them, and may indicate a personal commitment that has no particular religious denomination, such as in a religious promise ring that reflects a personal vow to God. Regardless of religious affiliation – Christian or non-Christian – the religious promise ring holds special meaning to those who are willing to make the commitment and accept the sacrifices which may come as a result of such a vow.
