The tradition of sealing newlyweds with wedding rings is ancient, international, and enduring. Wedding rings are perhaps the most iconic attribute of a wedding celebration. They are the very thing that flaunts a person's marital status. What is the secret behind this simple, seemingly inconspicuous piece of jewelry? What are the reasons behind wedding rings' popularity?
The mystery of the ring in its history
Understanding the history of wedding rings can help lift the veil on their significance. Who introduced the wedding ring tradition into our lives and why?
Oddly enough, by placing a ring on our spouse's finger and thus confirming our desire to start a family with them, we imitate Cleopatra. It's no secret that rings as a symbol of marriage (like many other things) have their origins in Ancient Egypt. But historians speculate that it was this great queen who first wore a wedding ring. Specifically, on the ring finger of her left hand , since, according to the ancient Egyptians, this finger is directly connected to the heart by a nerve or even an entire blood vessel.
Almost all cultures quickly adopted (with a nod from the Egyptians) the tradition of wearing rings as a symbol of married status. However, these accessories were given varying meanings.
For many cultures, wedding rings, in addition to their symbolic function, also carried sacred meaning. The ring itself, by its shape, symbolizes infinity and continuity. This is the best wish for future family life. The circle has always been a sacred image, concealing many mysteries and meanings. Therefore, the choice of a ring for such an important purpose is understandable.
The secret lies in the ring's material
Traditionally, wedding rings are made of gold. Is this choice simply due to the fact that gold is a noble metal, or is there something more?
Historically, gold has been the most expensive and valuable material . That's why people sought to make such important wedding rings from it. But there was also an intangible meaning. Gold, as a material, due to its appearance, was associated with concepts of warmth, light, happiness, and joy .
Modern young people are increasingly moving away from classic gold wedding rings. They can be replaced by jewelry made of silver, platinum, titanium, and other materials. Incidentally, there is a tradition (an unspoken rule) that wedding rings used in the sacrament of marriage should be made of different metals. A silver ring for the bride, and a gold ring for the groom.
One theory holds that gold, as a symbol of the sun , is appropriate for the groom. Silver, as a symbol of the moon, reflecting the sun's light, is more appropriate for the bride. Another theory (that of the Apostle Paul) holds that these two metals represent Christ and the Church.
The Secret to Wedding Ring Decoration
Many jewelers embellish wedding rings with stones. According to one legend, Joseph gave the Virgin Mary an amethyst as an engagement ring. By considering the meaning and symbolism of precious and semiprecious stones, one can, to some extent, influence the future relationship of spouses.
For example, rubies , a sign of fire, when used in wedding rings are sure to bring a touch of passion to married life. Aquamarine, on the other hand, will provide the calm and patience needed to navigate the rough edges of marital life.
As for other wedding ring embellishments , there are countless options. The variety of engravings, relief designs, and diverse wedding ring shapes is countless. Designers are increasingly showing their imagination in creating unique, creative, or simply stunningly beautiful wedding rings.
For example, there are rings that look ordinary at first glance, but have raised inscriptions on the inside, like “Busy” or “Married,” that leave an imprint on the finger. Such a ring will completely betray your social status, even if you take it off. vopros.ua
Or, alternatively, puzzle rings, each half of a puzzle. However, the variety of ring designs could be the subject of a separate article. As well as the numerous superstitions and beliefs surrounding wedding rings. Incidentally, according to one belief, a wedding ring should be perfectly smooth , so that the newlyweds' married life will be similar.
