Promise Rings and their Meaning

Commitment is an age-old concept, and a promise ring is its symbol. The romantic flavor was added to these rings by the Romans, who called it anulus pronubus. Initially made of iron, it was later made with gold, gemstones bearing inscriptions, and motifs. However, such expensive symbols of love and commitment were restricted to the Nobles and Royals only.

What is a Promise Ring?

During the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries in England, promise rings grew in popularity as a token of love or friendship. The rings underwent many changes, in its presentation and styling, but what didn't change were the expressions of love, friendship and commitment. The meaning of a promise ring can relate to various instances, some of which are mentioned below.

Pre-Engagement Rings: Pre-engagement promise rings are exchanged between two individuals as a symbol of belief and commitment of wanting to spend the rest of their lives together in the near future. This exchange of rings between a man and a woman is not an official engagement or a marriage, but is more seen as a sign of exclusivity for each other. This is the most common meaning in most cases, and can be replaced with an engagement or wedding ring in the future.

Friendship Rings: Friendship rings can be exchanged by people of either gender, and is a symbol of commitment to always be there for each other in times of need. Friendship that does not get affected by time and distance, and does not relate to romantic love, is signified by friendship rings. For friends who have moved away from each other geographically, the ring can serves as a reminder of their friendship and their commitment to keep in touch.

Purity Rings: Purity rings are also known as chastity rings and are a symbol of purity. The commitment is to remain sexually abstinent until marriage, or to maintain distance from undesirable influences, such as drinking, smoking, or drugs. They can be worn both by male and female alike. They can be given by a parent, at times followed by a simple ceremony of signing of a document that further affirms the agreement between the wearer and the parent. It can also be worn voluntarily by individuals in order to indicate that he or she wishes to abstain from sex until marriage, and alcohol and drugs. People who are committed to each other can also wear them, signifying a promise of fidelity between them. Homosexual partners also use promise rings to pledge monogamous commitment to each other.

Religious Rings: Religious rings are mostly worn to show devotion and commitment to practices of a particular faith. Most of these rings are engraved with images of saints, or inscriptions from the holy books. A religious promise ring symbolizes the willingness of a person to show religious devotion towards a particular religion or saint, and a commitment to follow the path of truth and practice the preachings of that saint. For example, bishops wear these rings as a pledge of their spiritual union with the church.

On Which Finger is it Customary to Wear a Promise Ring?

A promise ring's promise is not dependent on the wearer's finger. However, the ring finger is the most preferred finger for any sign of commitment. It is the third finger of the left hand. There are two versions as why it is the chosen finger for wearing rings. The romantic version is that the vein of love runs directly from this ring finger to the heart, whereas the more practical version is that the third finger is well protected by thumb and other fingers on either side. While all rings can be worn on the ring finger, the friendship ring is preferably worn on any other finger, to avoid any misinterpretation or misunderstanding of its symbolism.

Promise rings can be also worn to symbolize renewal of a commitment, a change in lifestyle, or even keeping a secret! To avoid any confusion, it is best to explain the intent and symbolism to the person one exchanges the ring with. Whatever be the reason, the promise ring will always signify a commitment that should be honored.