When we want to know if a person is married or not the first thing we do is look at his or her left hand in search of a wedding ring.
Thus, the wedding ring can be considered as an instantly recognizable symbol of the perpetual joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The ring symbolizes the bond two people share, the solid, enduring, endless bond that connects them.
Nearly all of us choose to wear a ring when we get married but do we know how and why the ring became a symbol of eternal love and fidelity? Well, it’s interesting…
The ring is a circle that is the symbol of eternity for the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. A circle has no beginning and no end, like time. It returned to itself, like life; and the shape was worshipped as the Sun and the Moon have the same form.
The hole in the center of the ring is not just space either; it is important on its own as the symbol of the gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown.
Therefore, it is easy to see how the ring and the gift of a ring began to be associated with love, in the hope that Love would be characteristic of a circle and capture eternity.
The oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt, about 4800 years ago. In early Egypt, the ring was linked with the supernatural, a never-ending band linked with eternal love.
For the Romans later, the ring’s acceptance by a young lady was a binding, legal agreement and the girl was no longer free. This tradition continued up until the middle of the twentieth century perhaps as a reminder of the days when women were regarded as property.
But when World War II broke out and many young men had to leave their wives for a long time, men began wearing wedding rings as a symbol of their marriages and a reminder of their wives.
It was pure romance, gesture of affection that has happily survived into modern times and, today, it is not only the girls who wear rings as a symbol of their devotion and commitment but the majority of men also do that.
The ancient wore the wedding ring on the third finger of the left hand, because of a belief that the vein of that finger directly traveled from the heart.
We follow the tradition nowadays but some Europeans wear the ring on their right hand. Jewish brides have the ring placed on their index finger, since that is the finger with which they point to the Torah as they read.
But why left hand? There doesn’t seem to be any particular reason. However, one thought is: as the man, facing his bride, reaches straight out with his right hand as most people are right handed he naturally touches her left.
Types of wedding rings
Originally wedding rings were made of grass, various plants and hair. Later, when people learned to use fire, rings were made of metals.
First it was iron for its symbolic strength. But soon it was replaced by gold and silver as they always remain beautiful.
Today there are various types of wedding rings, such as solid and cheap titanium wedding rings, traditional yellow and white gold rings, and chic and durable platinum rings.
Each couple can choose the most convenient and affordable wedding ring set for them.
Besides precious metals, types of wedding rings are also determined by the choice of gemstone.
Most couples prefer traditional diamond wedding rings, but some of them, want something unique and original and select other gemstones, like sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls.
There is also another way to make your wedding ring unique, it’s engraving.
It allows to set down the groom’s and the bride’s names or their favorite song on the setting. These types of wedding rings are especially popular among celebrities.
However, remember that whatever types of wedding rings you choose, exquisite or traditional ones, a wedding band is just an inanimate object.
Although it is very important to you both, it cannot bring any love or other emotion to your marriage if you don’t have any. So, love each other and be happy together!
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The history was very interesting Veronica! I don’t think many people actually know the reasoning behind wedding rings, they just know that when you get married you exchange them.
I recently was shopping for my finance’s wedding band. I took many things into consideration, but the most important thing to me was that his wedding band wasn’t going to get scratched or bend. I wanted a ring that would last forever and remind us of the love we have.
I am happy to say that I found the perfect wedding band. I can’t wait until our big day!! =)
Thank you very much for your comment. I am really glad you liked the story and hope you will be happy with your spouse!
i liked the post! it’s really informative! keep telling us such interesting things!
So nice! I don’t know many of this facts!
Bride To Be – be happy!
hello veronica, I love the 3rd ring. could you tell me where I can find it? thanks,
Very interesting! I’ve never given a thought to the meaning of wedding rings before. It’s certainly a very meaningful ritual, now I know about it. Thanks for sharing it with us!
it depends on your values, you see. Well, historically, you were married with sex. So,you girls are adulterous & over married, so please get off your high horse.
My fiance very much likes the 3rd ring depicted in this post with the hammered silver and the oblique thin gold band. Where can he find a ring like that?
I wish to purchase another wedding band like the one in frame number 4 of this post, but I do not know the name of the company. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
See block number 10 above.
I love the nuts and bolts wedding band idea, but who wears which? :P
Yes, The wedding ring is the symbol of love.