Coquinho ring: discover all the meanings that the accessory carries

The coconut ring is often found at hippie and craft fairs. Although it is not part of any fad coming from major fashionistas, it is widely used and has become a timeless accessory. One of its greatest meanings refers to simplicity, but it also has historical, religious and identification foundations. How about knowing more so you don’t miss the use of this ring?

Origin of the coconut ring

The tucum ring, as it is also known, began to be manufactured by indigenous groups in the period of the Empire, when the royal family landed here and Brazil was still a colony of Portugal. Both they and black people used the materials available to create their props and thus adorn themselves.

With that, the seed of tucum, a palm tree from the Amazon, started to be used for the production of “jewels” – especially these rings, which were simple, but very polished. As this plant was typical of a certain region, it ended up being replaced by coconut in the manufacture of accessories, which was much easier to find.

Meaning of the coconut ring

One of the biggest meanings of the coconut ring is linked to simplicity, especially since it is made of a material that would most likely be discarded. This is also the reason why it is so often found at hippie fairs, as its low production and acquisition cost meets what is preached by them: material detachment.

Another fact that reinforces the issue of simplicity is the fact that the item was widely used by slaves, who represented the poorest and most needy Brazilian population at the time of its creation.

Historical significance of the coconut ring

Even so simple, the coconut ring carries with it several other meanings. One of the first leads to the Indians, who used this ring to represent the relationships they had within the tribes: marriages, family unions, friendships or even the connection between all the members. Added to this, its historical part also represents the resistance and struggle of slaves in the search for freedom.

Religious meaning of the coconut ring

Around the 1960s, Christians began to adopt the coconut ring as a symbol of faith and devotion. Still used today for this same purpose, it became, in many churches, a representation of the faithful’s commitment to God and to those most in need.

LGBT meaning of the coconut ring

Because it is so linked to the struggle for social causes, the coconut ring started to be used by the LGBT community and is linked to sexual orientation and identification. People who identify as asexual wear the black ring (very similar to the tucum) on the middle finger of their left hand. Lesbian women often wear it on their thumb, as a code for their preference for women.

It’s interesting to see how such a simple accessory with such a low value is, in fact, an object of great representation among the most varied peoples and communities, isn’t it?

How to make a coconut ring

It is not easy to make a coconut ring at home, so much so that there are several tutorials on the internet teaching how to make a “fake” tucum ring. The ideal is to purchase the coconut ring from artisans or stores specializing in items made with this type of raw material. The following video demonstrates how this ring is made in more detail. Check out:

How is the tucum ring made?

In this video, you will see more about the history of the tucum ring and its manufacture, told by a gentleman who earns his living from production.

This also shows us how many things there are available in nature that can be used and turned into amazing pieces!

If you are one of those passionate about this prop, now you know a little more about its origin and its true meaning. That way, in addition to completing your look, starting today, you’ll wear it knowing exactly everything it represents!