Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The meanings of Promise Rings

By Sylvia Orlando

If you've been a giver or receiver of a promise ring, you know that it has many attached symbolisms behind it. It does not matter if you are the giver or the receiver, when a promise ring is given; the promise to the symbol should be and must be kept.

For instance, did you know that a promise ring is good in cases of pre-engagements? What does this mean usually? It typically means the couple love one another and want to commit but are not ready for a fully-fledged engagement.

Chastity and substance abstinence are reasons parents give their children a promise ring. The child's promise to his/her parents that they will refrain from sex until marriage and stay away from social pressures of drinking, doing drugs and smoking.

Couples who value monogamy, but don't yet want a marriage can exchange promise rings or give promise rings as a way to signify their love and commitment without a piece of legal binding paper.

The last reason promise rings are a good idea is to remind someone of a friendship. Friends who really care about one another tend to make pacts. This reminder of friendship helps when the person you choose to give a promise ring moves away. They'll always know that you are thinking of them and will help them when they need it.

Depending on what the promise ring signifies, this will depend on which hand and finger the ring will be worn on. For instance, when a man wants to give his counterpart a token of his affection such as a pre-engagement ring, the ring should be worn on the left hand ring finger. This holds true for a monogamy promise ring. Should the ring be for substance abstinence then any finger will do. Yet, the left ring finger is usually chose. A friendship ring can be worn on any finger. Thumbs are fine too.

Can a man wear a promise ring? Though not traditionally done, men can and do wear promise rings. All a man should get is a simple band for his promise ring. And the couple can also wear matching promise rings.

Should a promise ring be given, it's vital that whatever it is to symbolize be spoken. Never let someone assume that the promise ring means more than what it may actually mean. - 15366

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