What is a Purity Ceremony
A Purity Ceremony is the time when a vow of purity is taken and a purity ring is received. God is almost always acknowledged, if not mentioned in the purity vow itself. Other names for purity ceremonies include: an abstinence ceremony and a true love waits ceremony.
Individual Decision:
One of the most important parts of a purity ceremony is an individual's dedication and commitment to abstain from sex until marriage. The vow of purity needs to be an personal individual decision. It should not be forced. Those who take the vow of purity need to be committed to the vow and of an age where they can understand the vow they are taking. Teenagers should not take a vow of purity just to please their parents. If a teenager is not planning on keeping the vow of purity, then there is no reason why they should take the vow. Purity vows must be taken with a sincere heart.
Parents Role:
Parents play a very important role in purity ceremonies. They need to be present at purity ceremonies. It is one of the best ways they can show support in their child's decision, especially when parents present the purity rings to their own children. It is also important for a parent to be sure their child is ready and understands what the vow of purity entails.
The Vow of Purity:
Vows can be taken in a public purity ceremony or a private purity ceremony. These vows are usually taken during the early teenage years but vows can also be taken when an individual is older. It is also very common for vows to be retaken during college or latter years. When vows are remade or retaken, it helps an individual re-commit and renew their desire to continue to stay abstinent.
Types of Ceremonies:
There are several different types and ways to hold a purity ceremony. They can be very simple or very elaborate and formal. There is not a complete standard way to have or hold a purity ceremony. They just need to include some type of vow of purity. A few common types of purity ceremonies are listed below.
Purity Balls:
One of the very elaborate and elegant type of purity ceremonies is a purity ball. They are symbolic of a wedding. Daughters & their fathers attend purity balls. The fathers come dressed in tuxedo and the daughters come dressed up in nice formal dresses. The evening is full of prayer, dancing, cake and the presentation of a purity ring or other purity item (a bracelet or necklace). The fathers at the purity ball make vows to protect their daughters virginity. While the fathers are making these promises, they present the purity item (usually a ring) to their daughters. The daughters are now under the guard and protection of their fathers. The daughters vow that they will stay abstinent and pure. (If a purity ring is presented, it is worn until it is replaced with a wedding ring.)
Purity Ceremonies:
Most churches have several different purity programs that youth can attend. These programs usually consist of relationship and Bible study classes. Once the program is completed, a purity ceremony takes place (like a graduation). Students make vows of purity publicly at these purity ceremonies. When the vow is taken, a purity item (usually a ring) is presented by a parent or guardian.
Other Types of Purity Ceremonies:
While many purity ceremonies are formal, they do not need to be. They can take place between a girlfriend or boyfriend to abstain from sex until marriage. They can also take place at a park, a restaurant or at home between a child and a parent. Other times they will take place when a few witnesses are present. Purity certificates are usually signed at presented during purity ceremonies. There are purity ceremonies that come in several different types. However, the ceremony is not as important as the vow to stay pure.