I was wondering if it would make any sense to have some kind of “installation ceremony” when a new belt-wearer receives their belt.
Such a ceremony would be a promise made in public, much as a wedding ceremony is a promise made in public.
Such a ceremony could have a religious component, but it wouldn’t have to. It could be Christian, but it wouldn’t have to be; it could be Wiccan/Pagan, but it wouldn’t have to be.
Giving a key as part of a wedding ceremony is something that was already touched on by Robert Pinkerton. I have a document around here somewhere that he sent me many years ago in regard to that.