History of the X-Ring
/December 3rd: X-Ring Day. A highly anticipated (if not, the most anticipated) day for members of the StFX community every year. As the alleged third most recognized ring in the world, only following the Super Bowl ring and the Papal ring, the X-Ring holds strong significance for those who have attended StFX. It represents Xaverian spirit, community, the hard work of students, and the accomplishments they have made while at university.
Prior to the 1940s, a pin was designed every year for each graduating class at StFX. However, it was in 1942, during the Second World War, when the X-Ring was born. Senior Class President Willie MacDougall created the iconic ring that would forever hold tradition from that moment on.
In 1958, the first ever X-Ring ceremony was held. Beginning in the MacKay Room, the ceremony moved to the basement of the Chapel and eventually its main space. It is now held in the Keating Centre each year as a result of the growing number of senior students in every graduating class. It was in 1982 when the ceremony was decided to be held each year on December 3rd, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.
At the end of every X-Ring ceremony, X-Ring recipients tap their new ring on a wooden kneeler from the Chapel when exiting the Keating Centre. This tradition continued from when the ceremony was held in the Chapel, where X-Ring recipients would tap their ring on the wooden pews.
As a result of being copyrighted, the X-Ring is exclusive to only graduates and senior students of the university. Only those who have worked to achieve their rings may purchase one. However, one honorary X-Ring is given out each year to a deserving member of the Xaverian community.
The X-Ring represents the close, tight-knit community of StFX and the continuous connections that will be made with other X Alumni throughout the years. Years after graduating, whether you are still here living in Antigonish or on the other side of the world, your X-Ring is a token that will forever hold your identity as a member of the Xaverian community.
Congratulations to all X-Ring recipients this year!
Work Cited:
https://www.stfx.ca/student-services/support-services/chaplaincy/events-activities/x-ring
https://www.alumni.stfx.ca/s/650/standard.aspx?sid=650&gid=1&pgid=890
https://theu.ca/history-of-the-xring
