Promise Rings Meaning

I promise.....hope to die...stick a needle in my eye. As the old childhood rhyme implies, keeping a promise is very important. Most people will keep their word, but many choose to make their promises and give a token to represent the commitment to follow through with a pledge. Many time this token takes the form of a ring.

Promise rings originated in Biblical times. The ancient custom of betrothals, which were legally binding contracts between two people, set aside the couple for marriage in the future. When a public announcement of a betrothal was made, the groom would give his future wife a ring which indicated his intent to marry.

By the 15th and 16th century, rings were exchanged by young couples that were to poor to wed. "Scribbling rings" were inlaid with uncut crystals or diamonds. The lovebirds would then use the rings to etch their names into glass window panes.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, betrothal rings were replaced by engagement rings. It wasn't until the 1990's that the actual term "promise ring" emerged. A promise ring denotes a Christian custom that expresses the intent to marry. Now a promise ring can also represent a commitment to abstinence while not married. These are referred to as "purity rings."

Promise rings are usually diamonds, but a promise ring can be in any setting or stone. No matter how it is made, a ring given from the heart is one that will be cherished forever.