Chastity rings
The wearing of rings by men and women is a practice that dates back to prehistoric times. They have been worn on the fingers, toes, ears, nose, and sometimes even as thick, bangle-like bands around the neck. Generally they are worn along with other jewelry for purely ornamental purposes. But very often the wearing of rings is associated with a specific reason as in the case of wedding rings. These rings are usually worn only on the fingers. Their significance is denoted by the finger on which they are worn, or by their design. Signet rings denote the status of the wearer. The Irish Claddagh ring has differing connotations depending on the finger, the hand and the position in which it is worn. Some rings, especially those with gemstones, are believed to have magical powers.
Silver Ring Thing
There is an organization called the ?Silver Ring Thing? that encourages youth to take a pledge of chastity till marriage. They conduct high profile campaigns among the youth, especially students, explaining the benefits of taking the pledge of sexual abstinence. Rather than put them off with too much talk, their presentations leave a strong impact on the youngsters, making them realize the advantages of sexual abstinence. The rings are only a sign of the pledge, a public proclamation of their intent. It also helps them to strengthen their resolve to be firm in the face of strong inducements. The organization claims they have convinced tens of thousands of young people especially teens to take the pledge and wear the chastity rings. They also arrange special weekend programs for any youth who are interested, explaining how wearing the ring strengthens them as well as encourages others to take the pledge as well. These sessions bring together a wide range of youngsters who get the satisfying feeling of belonging to a meaningful and supportive group activity. They provide a support system to help those who have taken the pledge to remain faithful to their vow of sexual abstinence when they are becoming weak.
Chastity Ring Designs
The rings are usually in gold, silver or white alloys. There is no single standard design that symbolizes the chastity rings. But there are several that unmistakably recognized for what they are, especially by those who have already taken the pledge or intend to do so. It is normally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, where one would usually have the wedding ring. The inference is that it will be removed only when it is to be replaced by a wedding band. Some rings may have one or more gemstones, especially those gems associated with love, purity and chastity.
Some Christians have a cross adorning their chastity ring to symbolize their commitment to Christ. Other rings have a heart with a cross. Some wearers have a plain band with the words ?Love Waits? inscribed on some part of the ring. There are also diamond studded ?Love Waits? rings, with the stone symbolizing true love. Other popular designs include a gift wrapped heart or an unblossomed rose bud. There is also a ?True Love chastity rings.?
Background of the Chastity Ring
The chastity ring is of recent origin, having originated in the United States during the 1990s. It is worn mainly by teenagers who have pledged to remain celibate until they get married. It is remarkable that in times when freedom of choice in practically all matters is absolutely and unrestrictedly available to modern youth, so many of them are making a committed decision to abstain from things like drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, drug abuse, etc. It is very clear that there is no compulsion on them, but that the choice is made of their own free will. Christian spiritual revivalism may be one of the motivating factors, but the main reason is that youth are made to realize the harmful effect of these unhealthy habits and their addictive nature. Many of them would also have been exposed to others whose lives have been seriously disturbed (or even destroyed) because of these addictions. In modern times, the rapidly spreading AIDS virus that has killed so many people all over the world ? is a strong deterrent to sexual promiscuity among the youth.
Whether the motivation is out of spiritual or practical considerations, thousands of youth in America, Canada and Europe are making a public commitment to abstain from sexual relations until marriage. And they are also making a public display of their commitment by wearing chastity rings. Wearing the ring, like making the decision it represents, is purely a matter of free personal choice. Youngsters making the decision of sexual abstinence need not feel compelled to wear the ring. But most of them who do volunteer to wear are quite happy to do so and quite proud to display it. While some people view this as a passing fad among the youth, others feel it is a sign of resurgence of strong value based ideals in a decadent society. And the chastity ring is not just a symbol of abstinence from sexual promiscuity, but also an indication of the revival of traditional social values
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