Promise? Pinky Promise?
Katye Gilliland
February 18, 2010
Filed under Features, Opinions and Views, Student Life
Rings. Class rings, engagement rings, wedding rings,
purity rings…promise rings? Many people have questions about promise rings. What do they symbolize? Who is the promise to? Are purity rings and promise rings the same thing? The concept of promise rings has been present since the earliest of times. So have many misconceptions.
Rings have been used as a token of love and affection since the earliest cultures in the world began. The ring worn on the finger began as an Egyptian ritual and was considered an Egyptian innovation. The first civilization to actually use finger rings for pledges were the ancient Greeks. Zeus, the Greek god, wore a pledge ring (his was a pledge to remain chained for centuries, but was nonetheless a pledge). During the 15th, 16th and 17th century, the rings worn on the finger were used in marriage and love. The term promise ring is not as ancient, surfacing in the 70’s, but the idea of a pledge of love and promise to a loved one has been around for centuries.
Promise rings sometimes symbolize a pre-engagement for a couple. When couples are young and in love, and want to be together forever, it seems as if it’s impossible; you’re too young to be engaged, too in love to not be. The solution is a promise ring. The ring could mean that you plan to be engaged, and even though it may be far away, it’s a plan for the future.
The rings could symbolize a monogamous commitment to an individual. In the world today, some couples have no intention of getting married or engaged but are in love with one person. Marriage is not for everyone; promise rings are a great compromise. The ring would mean that you are exclusive to one person and you love that person and you are vowing to keep the relationship monogamous. Our own staffer Caitlin Conley has a promise ring from her boyfriend Christopher and says, “The ring means that my boyfriend is 100% committed to me and that he will always be there for me. It means a lot to me to have that on my hand to remind me that he’s there.”
Promise rings could also mean friendship. Of course, the relationship between friends is far from a romantic, lover’s relationship, but sometimes friends want to show their affection as well. This can be a good idea for friends who are separated from each other because of unfortunate events such as a move or a death. Guys and girls can give friendship rings (honestly, I don’t advise a guy trying to give another guy a “friendship ring”, as it may not go over well).
Promise rings can also be given within families. In some families, fathers give promise rings to their daughters to wear, symbolizing that they will remain their “father’s little baby” until they are married. When they become engaged, the ring is taken off and saved for the couple’s first daughter. This is more similar to a purity ring. Promise rings are not the same as purity rings. These rings symbolize the wearer’s desire to abstain from sex and sexual activity. They can be given by a parent and can also be bought and worn by a teeager or whomever on their own accord. These purity rings are intended to be worn until the wedding day, when they are replaced with wedding bands. Purity rings usually have engravings carved into the inner edges of the ring; bible verses are wildy popular.
No matter what the meaning, it’s personal to each relationship. Promise rings have become extremely popular among high school couples. Junior Meagan Owen, who received a promise ring for Christmas, says, “The ring symbolizes that my boyfriend is exclusive to me and that we are serious about a future.” The rings have many different meanings, but all are special and meaningful. Even if the relationship doesn’t last, the ring will be a reminder of the good times and lasting memories. (Whether you want this reminder or decide to pawn the ring is up to you.)
