Oath facts for kids
An oath (from Anglo-Saxon āð) is a promise. An oath is spoken out loud in front of other people who can see and hear what is done and said. They are witnesses to the oath. A person who cannot speak can make a sign that they are "taking an oath". Another way of saying that a person is "taking an oath" is to say that they are "swearing an oath".
A person can say "I promise that I will do this..." or "I swear that I will do this..."
When a person swears an oath they often show that the oath is very important to them by calling God to see and remember the promise, and to show that the promise is true, and cannot be taken back later. When a person takes an oath they sometimes raise their right hand, or put their hand on their heart, on the Bible or on another holy book.
Oaths are used in many situations when a person needs to be true to what they say:
- A person often swears an oath when they get married that they will love, care for and be true to their partner.
- A person is often asked to take an "oath" that they will tell the truth in court.
- A person who has an important position like mayor or governor swears an oath that they will serve their people and country.
- When a person becomes a citizen of a country where they were not born, they take an "oath of allegiance" and promise that they will be a good and true citizen of their new country.
Other pages
Images for kids
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Henry Kissinger places his hand on a Hebrew Bible as he takes the oath of office as Secretary of State, 1973.
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Depiction of the legendary Swiss Rütli Oath taken by the representatives of the three founding cantons, declaring unity and freedom in eternal alliance
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Princess Isabel of Brazil takes oath as regent of the Empire of Brazil, c. 1870.
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Devarata taking his bhishama pratigya
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A new police officer in the US being sworn in, 2018.
See also
In Spanish: Juramento para niños
