The origin of wedding rings

Today's wedding rings are a feeling of love, togetherness and commitment, but no one can say for sure when this ancient tradition really began. Throughout history, the ring has been used as a personal amulet , in business transactions, as a status symbol and, of course, to pledge your love to someone else . The history of the wedding ring does not have a clear path; it changes with the vision of marriage of each religion and country. Some rings strictly indicate a legal marriage contract, while others are clearly made in the name of true love. You can see our engagement rings at this link. https://www.silverson.art/collections/frontpage/Pedida

Some believe that the earliest recorded exchange of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt, some 4,800 years ago. Boards, reeds, and reeds, growing alongside the well-known papyrus, were twisted and braided into finger rings and other decorative ornaments worn by women in those days. The Egyptians are said to have viewed the ring, a circle, as a powerful symbol. The endless band that represents eternal life and love, and its opening represents a gateway to unknown worlds . Rings were highly prized in their culture, especially scarabs and seals.

2nd century carved Onyx and Gold ring

The Romans eventually adopted this tradition, but with their own personal touches. The ring was not given to the woman as a symbol of love, but as a symbol of ownership. Roman men would "claim" their wives by giving them rings. Roman engagement rings were later made of iron and called "Anulus Pronubus ". They symbolize strength and eternity. It is also said that the Romans were the first to engrave rings.

This carried over to the Byzantine Empire in the Middle Ages, when most rings were carved with the faces or full figure of the betrothed couple. Once Christianity became the official religion of the Empire, the couple was often depicted with Jesus or a cross between them, blessing their marriage.

Gold wedding ring, gold, 6th-7th century, Byzantine.

It was not until about the year 860 that Christians used the ring in marriage ceremonies ; even then, it was not the simple flat band as we know it. It was usually highly decorated with engraved doves, lyres, or two joined hands. Rings were discouraged by the Church as 'pagan' and, around the 13th century, wedding and betrothal rings were greatly simplified, given a more spiritual aspect which one bishop aptly expressed when he called it a "symbol of the union of hearts” . . "

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Corsage rings were first widely used in the 15th century. At first they had flashy designs and engraved text on the outside of the band. Over time, the band's design became simpler, but the lettering became more personalized. This forces the goldsmiths to improve their skills and learn to carve inside the ring to keep this information confidential and close to the wearer. This shows a change, from marriage often as an arrangement between families when an ornate ring meant a more profitable arrangement. To marriages founded on love, with simple rings formed from gold coins, with inscriptions such as "Love me and don't leave me" and "Two bodies, one heart" .

Renaissance Ring, Gold XVII century

At different historical stages, wedding rings were worn on different fingers, including the thumbs and the left and right hands. According to Roman tradition, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand because it is believed that there is a vein in the finger, which is called "Vena Amoris" or "Vein of Love" . It is said to be directly connected to the heart. But, scientists have proven this to be wrong. However, this myth is still considered by many (hopeless romantics) to be the main reason why the ring is worn on the ring finger. Surely our piece would fit like a glove https://www.silverson.art/collections/frontpage/products/anillo-de-pedida-de-madera-y-plata-con-piedra-model-ishi

 

Another theory believed to be behind the ring that Christians place on the left hand seems a bit more plausible. The first Christian marriages had a ritual to wear the wedding ring on the ring finger.

A theory based more on practice is that the softer metal (traditionally gold for wedding rings) is less worn or damaged on the left hand finger, because most of the world is right handed. Also, the fourth finger of the left hand is probably the second least used on a person's hands outside of the little fingers. The little fingers are small, forming a small ring with little surface area to decorate, perhaps prompting people to place it on the next least used finger, i.e. the fourth finger of the left hand, which is about the size of the other fingers .

Where do you put the engagement ring? What finger do you wear the maiden ring on?

It is traditionally placed on the ring finger, symbolizing trust and commitment , since this finger is considered to be directly connected to the heart, a belief that has spread worldwide and, therefore, marks the position of the ring , representing the relationship of couple

ADDITIONAL DATA:

  • The oldest and smallest engagement ring was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.
  • In the 1300s, when people were particularly superstitious, it was believed that taking a garment from the bride would bring good luck to the guests. So, in an attempt to avoid greedy luck seekers, many brides began throwing items at guests that could be easily removed and that included their garter.
  • There are dozens of good luck and bad luck traditions followed by different cultures around the world. In Greek culture, a lump of sugar is placed in the bride's glove to "sweeten" the marriage. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. The English believe that a spider found on a wedding dress means good luck. Czech newlyweds are thrown peas instead of rice. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from the evil spirits lurking below.
  • The first recorded account of a diamond engagement ring dates to 1477, when King Maximilian I of Germany (1459-1519) proposed to Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482) and offered her a diamond to seal their vow. (So, men, you know who to blame!)
  • Interestingly, in many countries even today, including Norway, Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Germany, Portugal, and Spain, the wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the right hand and not on the middle finger. left. In the Jewish tradition, the groom places the ring on the index finger of the bride, and not on the "ring" finger.
  • What does it mean to bring a hanging ring? Women will take a ring that means something to them and put it on a necklace. It could be a promise ring to signify a vow they made (for example not to put it on their finger until marriage) or a ring their mother wore but it doesn't fit, or they got it from someone they care about. In the specific case of men, putting a ring on a necklace is because they do not want to lose it when they take out the garbage, work out at the gym or do other activities that require them to use their hands.

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