The US Military Academy cadets first started the practice of wearing a class ring in 1835. The United States Military Academy class ring has traditionally been worn in the left hand, but most recent graduates choose to wear it in their right hand, which is likely in response to a dilemma caused by wearing West Point rings and wedding rings on the same finger.
Some graduates choose to wear both on their left hand. While at West Point, the ring is worn so that the class emblem is worn to the inside and closest to one's heart. After graduation, the ring is worn so that the West Point peak is closest to the heart.
Video United States Military Academy class ring
Class ring in West Point culture
Ring Weekend is a tradition at the United States Military Academy where senior cadets are given their West Point class rings. West Point is the first American school to have a class ring. This is given to senior cadets soon after their senior year, after which there is a formal dinner and dancing (called "hops" in a cadet slang) following the ceremony for the cadets and their guests.
After the ring ceremony, Firsties are surrounded by small children who read "Ring Poop":
The term "ringknocker" refers to the alleged habit of some graduates to gently rob them of their rings against a hard surface in social situations; this serves as a signal not to interfere with their status to other graduates in the vicinity. However, the negative social networking connotation is also related to the term, in the sense that the term "implies that if there is an ongoing discussion, the senior (Western) Pointer just needs to tap on his big ring on the table and all the presenters present are required to rally to his point of view."
Maps United States Military Academy class ring
Ring design
Cadets picked out their rings a few months earlier, choosing everything from size (large and heavy traditional male casting, or larger female version), color (white gold, yellow gold, or non-nail palladium), and stones (some rings all gold and decorated with a West Point seal where the stone will be installed). Some cadets choose to "inherit" pieces of the ring from other family members or mentors who also graduate from West Point.
The rings are adjusted for each cadet, and there are very few standard practices seen, except the use of black onyx and gold symbols to represent school colors, but this is seen in minorities of rings. West Point Alumni can donate their rings to add to the smelting pot when a new batch of rings is thrown. Also, stones from older rings can be removed and placed onto a new graduate ring.
There are also souvenirs related to the ring. Students can choose items for family members that are made to resemble their class rings such as cufflinks, pendants, and pins. All of these jewelry items have the same signature as the ring: the West Point symbol, the class symbol, the class motto, and the year Cadet graduated (eg, "Keeping Freedom Alive West Point Class 2005" ).
With the old custom, many graduates choose to present miniatures, from West Point rings as engagement rings; President Eisenhower, who later became a young Lieutenant, gave miniature to Mamie Eisenhower as the couple's engagement ring.
Initial Use. In the early years, class rings often contained reverse seal motif symbols that are often used for sealing candles in both military and personal official correspondence. This helps to authenticate the sender. Tradition holds that the seal is crushed by its dead owner to prevent its use by others.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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