Wedding Ring
According to some historians, the first
recorded marriage rings date back to the
days when early man tied plaited circlets
around the Bride's wrists and ankles to keep
her spirit from running away. Approximately
3,000 BC, Egyptians originated the phrase
"without beginning, without end" in
describing the significance of the wedding
ring. These rings were made of woven hemp
which constantly wore out and needed
replacement. Although Romans originally used
iron, gold is now used as a symbol of all
that is pure. Diamonds were first used by
Italians, who believed that it was created
from the flames of love. In some European
cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the
right hand. In other cultures, an engagement
ring is worn on the left hand, and the
wedding ring is worn on the right hand.
RING FINGER
Prior to the 5th century, the ring finger
was actually the index finger. Later, it was
believed that the third finger contained the
"vein of love" that led directly to the
heart.
Thus, the ring being placed on that finger
denoted the strong connection of a heartfelt
love and commitment to one another.
Although during times of modern autopsy,
this long held belief was found not to be
so, the tradition continued to this day.
Medieval bridegrooms placed the ring on
three of the bride’s fingers, in turn, to
symbolize God the Father, God the Son and
God the Holy Spirit. The ring then remained
on the third finger and has become the
customary ring finger for English-speaking
cultures. In some European countries, the
ring is worn on the left hand before
marriage, and is moved to the right hand
during the ceremony. However, in most
European countries the ring is still worn on
the brides left hand. A Greek Orthodox bride
wears her ring on her left had before
marriage, and moves it to her right hand
after the ceremony.
ENGAGEMENT RING
In the early days of “Marriage by Purchase,”
the betrothal ring served a twofold purpose.
This twofold purpose included partial
payment for the bride and was a symbol of
the groom’s honorable intentions. The
diamond was found first in Medieval Italy,
and because of its hardness, was chosen to
stand for enduring love.
|
|
|
