The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

COURTING CUSTOM: ENGAGEMENT RINGS

WHEN IT IS UNDERSTOOD BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN THAT THEY ARE
TO BE MARRIED, A BINDING SYMBOL IS USUALLY GIVEN BY THE MAN TO
THE WOMAN. THE SYMBOL USED MOST OFTEN IS A RING WORN ON THE LEFT
HAND. THIS IS CALLED AN ENGAGEMENT TO BE MARRIED. HENCE, THE
NAME OF THIS RING IS OFTEN CALLED THE 'ENGAGEMENT RING.'

Submitter comment: INFORMANT KNOWS THIS BECAUSE HE'S ENGAGED. HE LEARNED THIS WAS THE
PROPER COURTSHIP CUSTOM BEFORE MARRIAGE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-20-1971