Canada has an interesting tradition: each graduate of an engineering university signs a special text of commitment, after which he receives a symbol of Canadian engineers - a stainless steel ring.
In 1922, Canadian civil engineering professor Herbert Holtain decided to create a ceremony for graduates of Canadian technical universities. He believed that future engineers must fully understand the standards of professional ethics and the significance of the decisions they will make. It was for this that it was necessary to create a symbolic ceremony.
Three years later, in April 1925, in Montreal, six people underwent the Ritual of Initiation as Engineers for the first time.
Today this ceremony takes place in 25 Canadian universities.
“The iron ring is uncouth and rough, like the mind of the young. The edges of the ring are specially made non-smooth, similar to the character of the young…. It has no beginning and end, like the work of an engineer and the space around us. It will leave a dent on a gold ring if the latter is worn next to it. This shows that the motives for making money should always be kept separate from professional work.”
The ring is worn on the little finger of the working hand and serves as a constant reminder of the engineer’s responsibility to society. This is both a symbol of the engineer’s professional pride, as well as his humility and modesty.
