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A [[person]] taking an oath indicates this in a [[number]] of ways. The most usual is the explicit "I swear," but any [[statement]] or [[promise]] that includes "with * as my witness" or "so help me *," with '*' being something or someone the oath-taker holds [[sacred]], is an oath. Many people take an oath by holding in their hand or placing over their head a [[book]] of [[scripture]] or a sacred object, thus indicating the sacred [[witness]] through their [[action]]: such an oath is called corporal. However, the chief [[purpose]] of such an [[act]] is for [[ceremony]] or solemnity, and the act does not of itself make an oath.

A [[person]] taking an oath indicates this in a [[number]] of ways. The most usual is the explicit "I swear," but any [[statement]] or [[promise]] that includes "with * as my witness" or "so help me *," with '*' being something or someone the oath-taker holds [[sacred]], is an oath. Many people take an oath by holding in their hand or placing over their head a [[book]] of [[scripture]] or a sacred object, thus indicating the sacred [[witness]] through their [[action]]: such an oath is called corporal. However, the chief [[purpose]] of such an [[act]] is for [[ceremony]] or solemnity, and the act does not of itself make an oath.

In Western countries it is [[custom]]ary to raise the right hand while swearing an oath, whether or not the left hand is laid on a [[Bible]] or other [[text]]. This custom [[originated]] during the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages Medieval period] when [[convicted]] felons were often branded on the palm of the right hand with a [[letter]] or mark indicating their conviction. Since felons were disqualified from making declarations under oath, an oath-taker would display their right hand to show that they were free of [[convictions]] and therefore able take an oath.

In Western countries it is [[custom]]ary to raise the '''right hand''' while swearing an oath, whether or not the left hand is laid on a [[Bible]] or other [[text]]. This custom [[originated]] during the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages Medieval period] when [[convicted]] felons were often branded on the palm of the right hand with a [[letter]] or mark indicating their conviction. Since felons were disqualified from making declarations under oath, an oath-taker would display their right hand to show that they were free of [[convictions]] and therefore able take an oath.

There is [[confusion]] between oaths and other [[statements]] or [[promises]]. The current [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Oath Olympic Oath], for instance, is really a pledge and not properly an oath since there is only a "[[promise]]" and no appeal to a [[sacred]] [[witness]]. Oaths are also confused with vows, but really a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vow vow] is a special kind of oath.

There is [[confusion]] between oaths and other [[statements]] or [[promises]]. The current [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Oath Olympic Oath], for instance, is really a pledge and not properly an oath since there is only a "[[promise]]" and no appeal to a [[sacred]] [[witness]]. Oaths are also confused with vows, but really a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vow vow] is a special kind of oath.