Wedding Rings ? Through the Ages and for All Eternity

The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and is rife with superstition and mythology. Papyruses dating back to the ancient Egyptian civilization depict wedding rings, and historians credit the land of the Pharaohs with originating this tradition. Engagement or betrothal rings were in use as far back as prehistoric times, but the wedding ring is a relatively new tradition, and unlike the engagement ring, is steeped in religious ritual.

In ancient times, accepting a wedding ring constituted a legally binding agreement between husband and wife. The wife became property of the husband, a holding of sorts. It also represented protection to the wife-a protection against challengers seizing her legal and rightful position in a power grab.

Early Egyptian wedding rings were simple circular bands, crudely crafted from indigenous materials such as hemp and reeds. The lifespan of the average wedding ring was approximately one year. It's a safe bet that the average marriage outlasted the average wedding band, since the eternal circle signified eternal love and devotion. The circle also represented the joining of two halves to create a whole. The hole in the center symbolized the gateway to the unknown-the future. Wedding bands of ivory, leather, and other sturdy materials were crafted by those who desired a more permanent token of eternity.

Metals replaced the earlier hemp and reed wedding bands. The early Romans moved to lead, while other civilizations chose brass and copper. Eventually, gold emerged as the metal of choice. In fact, early Irish couples insisted on gold, as any other material was thought to bring bad luck at best, and constitute an illegal marriage at worst. For couples unable to afford gold wedding bands, gold wedding rings were secured for the service and returned immediately afterward.

Early crude designs were adorned with semiprecious metals in an attempt to disguise the handiwork. The color of the stones also held significance. The red ruby signified the heart, the blue sapphire signified the skies and the heavens, and the rare diamond's indestructible nature signified the indestructible bond of marriage.

Fit played an equally important role in the realm of superstition surrounding the wedding ring. The fit had to be perfect. Too loose a fit would lead to a sloppy marriage, carelessness, and even cause the couple to grow apart. Too tight a fit would doom the couple to a suffocating, painful marriage.

In ancient times, wedding bands occupied the third finger on the left hand just as they do today. The significance of the third finger was the belief that the vein in the third finger, the "vena amoris," led directly to the heart. This was a thought propagated by the Egyptians and adopted as truth by the ancient Greeks and Romans, until later disproved.

Even after the discovery that there was no vena amoris, the custom of wearing the wedding band on the third finger survived. Early Christian marriages included a ritual that landed the wedding band on the third finger: As the priest recited, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost," he took the ring and touched the thumb, the first finger, and then the second finger. When he said, "Amen," he placed the ring on the third finger, sealing the marriage. The wedding band has occupied the third finger into the 21st century, except for a short period during the Elizabethan era, when whimsy decreed that the wedding ring reside on the thumb.

Double-ring ceremonies gained popularity during World War II as young soldiers shipped off to war. The token of the marriage contract took on new sentimentality during those troubling times, and that custom remains intact today. Ceremonies differ, vows are often unique, but the tradition of the wedding band has survived through the ages, and probably will-for all eternity.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for wedding bands, wedding rings, and more. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

---

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown

Selecting a wedding gown is possibly one of the most... Read More

Anniversary Gifts that Say I Love You

Exchanging anniversary gifts is a long standing tradition. Many couples... Read More

What Has Worked For Us (Brief Reflections On Enjoying 36 Years Of Marriage)

WHAT HAS WORKED FOR USBrief Reflections On Enjoying 36 Years... Read More

The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More

Marriage A Menace

Apparently for a person to get married is like burning... Read More

Setting a diamond - What to know.

When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More

Wedding Receiving Line Etiquette?Greeting Your Guests with Style

Even though it's a great tradition with a long history,... Read More

Rose Petals Add The Perfect Touch For A Wedding

Rose petals will add luxury to a wedding day or... Read More

Dallas Wedding Receptions

The most important day of your life is drawing near... Read More

The High Cost of Resentment and Anger in Marriage

Many spouses carry heavy suitcases filled with a collection of... Read More

How to Find, Select, and Afford a Wedding Photographer

You are engaged and one of the most important days... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More

Marriage Advice: Eight Steps to Marital Harmony

The formula for marital harmony and success is not a... Read More

Chocolate Wedding Favors

Providing chocolate as a wedding favor has been a time... Read More

Las Vegas Hotel Weddings

"Las Vegas hotel weddings give you tons of options. You... Read More

Building Your Marriage: Some Thoughts From St. Paul

These verses of Scripture from St. Paul are commonly used... Read More

Anniversary Gifts and Perfumes

How many times has your anniversary come around and you... Read More

Free Wedding Planning Guide and Checklist

With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire... Read More

Weddings Abroad ? Does Paradise Come At A Price?

For some couples, jetting off to their dream location would... Read More

How To Tell An Extraordinary Wedding Disc Jockey From Someone Who Could Ruin Your Reception

You have your band (around your finger), now it's time... Read More

The Wedding Aisle - Who is Walking You Down it?

Choosing who should walk down the aisle with you is... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Themes

If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are... Read More

Marriage: Where is the Fairy Tale?

"Presently, 40% of all first marriages in this country end... Read More

How To Choose The Right Wedding Bouquet Style

Basically, there are three wedding bouquet styles. The cascade, round... Read More

Loose Moissanite Stones, A Great Way to Buy Your Moissanite Jewelry

Moissanite is fast becoming the new diamonds. The newest jewelry... Read More

Ditching a Wedding

John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More

Marriage Counseling: How to Reduce Hurt Feelings When You and Your Spouse Disagree

One of the biggest on-going problems for couples is how... Read More

Legislating Morality: The Sanction of Marriage

Biologically, a coupling between male and female (with some very... Read More

Save the Date Etiquette: Everything You Need To Know

Save the Date Cards are announcements that inform your guests... Read More

Wedding Planning Ideas and Guidelines

Wedding planning is a difficult task for everyone. Unless you... Read More

Capture Your Perfect Moment with a Wedding Website

Not so many years ago, the proposition of a wedding... Read More

Get a Prenuptial Agreement before Your Next Marriage

While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More

Cancun Honeymoon Vacation - Pleasure Unlimited!

The Cancun honeymoon vacation comes with its bagage of sweet... Read More