Wedding rings as symbols What does the exchange of rings mean?
Rings have been exchanged in marriages since ancient times. Wedding rings, which carried different meanings in the past, are now viewed as a symbol for affection, loyalty, and commitment within a partnership. This article will give you everything you need about wedding rings and their meaning. It will also provide information on the customs around the exchange of rings.
Wedding rings as symbols - a brief history
In the past, only one ring was given to the bride on the day of marriage. This was done to show that the woman was part of a man or a family. The ring was often used to indicate that the man was the one who received the woman's inheritance. This ring was usually constructed of iron and was given to the woman.
In 855 the tradition of exchanging rings was reversed. Pope Nicholas I declared that the band was a Christian symbol of eternal love, marriage and eternity. The future couple put the ring on each other's fingers during the wedding ceremony, and they promised the other a lifetime of love and loyalty before God.
Since the 13th century at the latest, the wedding rings have been a vital part of a wedding. Since then, the wedding band has been a symbol of love and loyalty within the marriage. While wedding rings are traditionally only exchanged during weddings at the church and weddings, newlyweds are now wearing rings on each other's fingers in the registry office.
Why is the ring a symbol of marriage?
The single rings, with its sweeping curve, represents the enduring nature of the marriage. The two rings that are intertwined however, symbolize the deep bond that exists between the married couple, which can be broken only by breaking one of the rings. The two intertwined rings are frequently used as a symbol or logo for everything associated with the wedding.
Ring exchange Rings: customs and superstitions
There are a few customs in connection with the exchange of rings, but there is also a little superstition. Learn about the most well-known of them below.
Which hand is the ring that is worn?
The answer to the question of which hand the wedding ring should be worn on varies from country nation. In Germany, the wedding ring is usually worn on the right. However, in other countries, such as Italy or the USA the ring is usually worn on the left.
The ancient Romans wore their wedding rings on their left hand as well in the belief that a vein of love ran from the left ring to the heart. However, every couple must decide for themselves which ring will ultimately be placed.
Wearing the same rings
A custom that is perhaps not so well known is wearing the identical wedding rings. According to this custom newlyweds should wear the same rings, if possible made of the same material, design, etc. Only the size can be different. This is a sign of the family's agreement and the bond they have built since the day of their marriage.
Wedding rings that are exactly the same in style and design is also regarded as the first step in testing the marriage. Individual desires and tastes are set aside to serve the partnership and decisions are made in the spirit of "we".
Do not wear another person's wedding rings
Another tradition is that wedding rings must always be new and never worn by anyone else. There is a belief that wearing wedding rings can bring bad luck to love for the couple in question. The same goes when one gives away their wedding rings. It is said that if an acquaintance wears one's wedding band, the partner will cheat.
What is the purpose of wearing the rings
The act of putting the rings on is said to reveal the future of the wedding. It is believed that if the ring slips over the woman's finger easily and effortlessly, then the man is in charge. If it is positioned in the middle of the ring, then the woman is the one in charge.
The wedding ring is lost
Another belief is that the wedding ring should not be lost or dropped because it could spell bad luck or even the impending end of the marriage.
The ring is a result of religious traditions that are the basis for the exchange
When it comes to the exchange of rings, there are different traditions based on religion. Find out more about this below.
Wedding rings in Christianity
The two rings that are intertwined are a symbol of marriage in many Christian church writings. The only way to break the bond was if the ring broken. This is symbolic of 'until death do us part'. Before the vows are exchanged the rings are typically blessed, then followed by the exchange of rings. The bride and groom are then blessed.
Wedding rings in Judaism
The bride receives her wedding band from her husband under the chuppah (a wedding canopy) during the traditional Jewish wedding. The custom dictates that it should be plain, and without engravings or stones. The bride is not allowed to put a ring under the chuppah and on the wedding ring of the groom.
After the wedding, the bride is permitted to receive a ring with decorations from her newlywed husband and she's also able to give a ring to her spouse.
Wedding rings in Islam
In Islam, the wedding ceremony itself is usually quite simple - it is not uncommon for only two couples to be married and two witnesses who appear before the imam in order to announce their consent to be married. The wedding celebrations that follow are crucial to many couples and may last for several days.
Muslim couples also put rings on their fingers to signify their wedding. The only requirement is that males are not permitted to wear jewelry made of gold as per the Koran. Wedding rings are more likely to be made from materials like palladium, titanium, or platinum.