There's Much Excitement About Wedding Rings
When planning a wedding, one of the first things a couple takes note of on their wedding-to-do list is choosing their wedding ring. The process of selecting the right ring is one of the most crucial steps in planning a wedding, because that small piece of jewelry worn on the left ring finger of the bride and groom will (or rather should) stay until the very end.
What’s In A Ring?
The history of wedding rings can be traced back to almost 5,000 years in the past. Rumor has it that the tradition of using rings during marriage rituals/ceremonies dated back to the Egyptians who twisted plant materials into rings and bracelets 4,800 years ago.
The early Egyptians believed that wedding rings have a supernatural significance. Rings are after all one of the most powerful tools in magic, because a circle symbolizes an endless cycle and most importantly, wholeness and completion. What better symbol to use to link a man and woman in eternal love?
Wedding rings are also believed to be given to a woman to symbolize that the husband possesses his wife. Once ‘banded’ with a ring, a woman ‘banned’ to socialize with other men. On the flip side, although it is true that a wedding ring can be considered a token of possession, it can also symbolize a valuable gift that a woman receives from a man. This is said to be one of the reasons why the wedding ring is often made out of precious metal such as gold or platinum.
The wedding ring, which started out as a pagan tradition/symbol, was adopted by Christianity in the middle ages. Studies have shown that there is no reference in the Bible regarding the need for a wedding ring in the Christian Wedding ritual, because the most important thing in the entire ceremony is that the couple promises their love for one another. The wedding ring has since become a symbol of that promise of eternal love.
Wedding Ring Etiquette?
Just like most of the things associated with the wedding ceremony, the wedding ring has its own set of rules and etiquette.
The Wedding ring is normally worn on the left ring finger both for superstitious and practical reasons.
Let’s start with the superstitious reasons.
It was believed, by the Early Egyptians and Romans, that the vena amoris or vein of love is located in the left ring finger. This vein is said to be directly connected to the heart and therefore symbolizes putting a band or ring around the heart. Early beliefs also state that wearing the wedding ring on the left ring finger would link a couples’ destiny.
As for the practical reasons behind wearing the ring on the left ring finger, studies have shown that more people are right-handed and therefore, wearing a precious piece of jewelry on your right-hand would increase the risk of damage to the ring itself.
There really is much excitement about wedding rings if you would really stop and try to understand what its purpose is in the entire wedding ceremony. But despite the number of carats or type of metal the ring is made of, the most important thing is what its presence stands for. The wedding ring is a symbol of a couples love for one another. It is a constant reminder of the promise you made to yourselves with your whole family and most importantly, God, as your witnesses.