Where the ring comes from:
The black ring is made from the fruit of the tucum palm tree. This tree grows in the tropical rainforest of northeastern Brazil. The palm tree is difficult to cultivate because of its long, thin, sharp thorns.

The rings are made from the fruit’s hard shell that surrounds the seed. One of these shells, or nuts, can only produce 1-3 rings. The sawing, cleaning and polishing of the nuts is hard work. A person with experience needs about one hour to make one ring. The finishing work of the rings is done by family members; particularly mothers and children. It creates an opportunity for employment for the poor who normally do not have work.

Symbol of Solidarity:
The symbolism of the tucum palm ring has changed through the years. In the time of the emperors, the ring was a symbol of marriage for the black people and the indigenes, who could not afford to buy gold. The ring was a symbol of friendship and also of resistance in fighting for freedom.

Today bishops, priests, friars, Sisters and lay people in Latin America and all over the world wear the tucum ring as a symbol of solidarity with the poor. The ring also symbolizes the covenant of God, Who came into this world poor and died poor.

On the ring that the Franciscan Sisters wear, the name of Jesus is carved. He is calling us to live by His example of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The Ring Our Sisters Wear