EngSoc

Let’s Talk Ring

Note: This article is hosted here for archival purposes only. It does not necessarily represent the values of the Iron Warrior or Waterloo Engineering Society in the present day.

Hey!

I am going to start of by congratulating all the fourth years on getting their Iron Rings over the weekend. The five-year struggle has finally paid off. In the spirit of all the iron ring celebrations I would like to shed light on what the ring symbolizes and where it all began.

Canadian engineers wear the Iron Ring as a symbol of the obligations and ethics towards their professional duty. It however does not symbolize the qualification of an engineer (this is done via a licensing board/body). The concept of the Iron Ring originated in 1922. A group of Montreal engineers proposed that seven of Canada’s most prominent engineers, know today as the Seven Wardens, be the center of an organization which would provide cohesiveness to all Canadian engineers.

The rings are given at the ceremony known as The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer. This is a private ritual written by an English poet Rudyard Kipling.  The ceremonies are held at individual universities each assigned one of the twenty-six camps of the corporation of the seven wardens.

The Iron Ring is made from either wrought iron or stainless steel.  Most Canadian universities only offer stainless steel rings because iron is not the most suitable material to be worn. When in contact with the skin, it is known to make the finger blackish and slowly deteriorate, making the ring loose. This ring is worn on the pinky finger of your working hand.

Congratulations again to all the forth years on this great achievement. Let the ring symbolize the pride which engineers have while reminding us of our humility towards the profession.

If you have and questions feel free to contact me via email on vpeducation.b@engsoc.uwaterloo.ca.

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