Throughout the presidential swearing-in ceremony, custom typically entails the president-elect putting a hand on a Bible whereas reciting the oath of workplace. This symbolic gesture has been a standard apply in American inaugurations, representing a connection to non secular values and historic precedent. Nonetheless, variations on this apply have occurred all through historical past.
The importance of the inauguration oath lies in its constitutional requirement. The precise spiritual accoutrements employed are usually not legally mandated, thus permitting for private alternative and interpretation. Historic context reveals presidents have used household Bibles, state Bibles, or a mixture thereof. Some have chosen to be sworn in with none Bible in any respect.
