While
there are no hard and fast rules on the exact science of wedding ring
wearing, most people opt for wearing theirs on the ring finger of the
left hand.
The
wedding ring, that most famous and instantly recognizable symbol of
the (hopefully perpetual) joining of a man and a woman as husband
and wife in the institution of marriage, has a long, wide spread
and mysterious history. The meaning of the wedding ring can be
traced back almost 5,000 years. It is said the wedding ring tradition
was first originated by the Egyptians who some 4,800 years ago
twisted plant material (such as hemp) into rings and bracelets.
The
ring is of course a circle and this was the symbol of eternity for
the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. It had no
beginning and no end, like time. It returned to itself, like life;
and the shape was worshiped in the form of the Sun and the Moon.
The hole in the center of the ring is not just space either; it is
important in its own right as the symbol of the gateway, or door;
leading to things and events both known and unknown.
It
is not difficult therefore, to see how the ring and the gift of a
ring began to be associated with love, in the hope that this most
worthy of emotions could take on the characteristics of the circle
and capture eternity.
They believed the round symbolism of
wedding rings was linked to an eternal love with no end. Use of the
wedding band symbol is mentioned in the hieroglyphics on the walls of
Egyptian tombs as translated by archaeologists.
Some 2000
years ago, Asian puzzle rings were commonly used as wedding bands. It
is said that sheiks and sultans required each of their wives to wear
one as a pledge of fidelity while he was away.
If for some
reason, the woman removed her ring, it would fall apart and be very
difficult to put back together without knowing the answer to the
puzzle.
My goodness but we’ve come a long way since then!
Before
1940, only about 15% of bridegrooms received rings. The tradition of
the double ring ceremony first started to become popular during World
War II where around 60% of couples exchanged rings. This percentage
rose to 70% during the Korean War.
Although it is not known
what the percentage of wedding ring exchange ceremonies exist today,
one can only assume that it has increased steadily over time. What
can be more romantic than two people who promise to love and honor
each other, using wedding ring symbolism as an acknowledgment of that
pledge?
Ancient
Egyptians and Romans believed that the ring finger of the left hand
follows the "vena amoris" or vein of love, which is
directly connected, to the heart.
Therefore, many wedding
rings were worn on the left ring finger, as it was believed to link a
couples’ destiny. Even though Science discredits this theory –
many romantics at heart still follow this practice today.
Another
theory suggests that during the 17th century, wedding rings were
typically worn on the thumb and then moved to the 4th finger of the
left hand during the wedding ceremony.
It is believed that
during a Christian wedding, a priest presents the ring to the 4th
finger after touching three fingers on the left hand and saying, “In
the Name of the Father – Son – and Holy Ghost”.
Isn’t
it amazing how a small circle of metal, an unbroken circle,
symbolizes eternal love, continuing its endless flow through time?
This universal symbol has been an important part of the wedding
ceremony for many generations.
Andy Moquin has spent 20 years in the jewelry industry with much of her experience in polished diamonds, engagement rings , wedding rings
and custom jewelry design. She is an accomplished business consultant
and is available for advice on topics such as marketing, advertising,
merchandising and business turnarounds.
