Couple Rings as symbols What does the exchange of rings mean?
Rings were exchanged at marriages since ancient times. Wedding rings, which held different meanings in the past, are now viewed as a symbol for love, loyalty and commitment within a partnership. You can find out everything you need to be aware of about wedding rings as well as their meaning and customs associated with the exchange of rings in this article.
Wedding rings as symbols an introduction to the history of wedding rings
In ancient times there was only one ring given at marriage - to the woman. This was done to indicate that the bride belonged to a family or the man. The ring would also signify that the man had received the woman's dowry. The ring, which was only the woman was given, was usually made of iron.
In 855, the trend of exchanging rings was reversed. Pope Nicholas I declared that the ring was a Christian symbol for love, eternality and marriage. At the wedding ceremony the future spouses exchanged rings, and pledged loyalty and bond.
Since the 13th century to the current time, the wedding ring has been a crucial part of a marriage. Since the time of the wedding ring, it has been a symbol of love and loyalty in a marriage. While wedding rings were traditionally only exchanged at weddings in the church the newlyweds have for a long time been putting rings on each other's fingers at the registry office.
Why is the ring the symbol of marriage?
The single ring, with its unbroken curve, symbolizes the enduring nature of the marriage. The two intertwined rings on contrary, symbolize the deep bond between the two couples, which can only be broken if one of the rings was destroyed. The two intertwined ring is often used as a symbol or a logo for everything associated with the wedding.
Customs and superstitions surrounding the exchange of rings
There are some customs concerning the exchange of rings, but there is also a bit of superstition. Find out about the most well-known ones below.
Which hand is the ring placed on?
The answer to this question is different from one country to another. In Germany, it is typically worn on the right hand, in countries such as Italy or the USA it is more commonly worn on the left hand.
The ancient Romans also wore the wedding rings on the left hand because they believed that a "vein of love" could be traced from the left ring finger directly to the heart. Each couple will choose where they want to wear their rings.
Wearing the identical rings
Wearing the same wedding ring is a tradition that may not be well-known. According to this, the newlyweds should wear the same rings when possible, made of the same wedding ring, in the same style, etc. The only thing that may be different is the size. This is seen as an indicator of agreement within the family, and the unity that the couple forms from the day of the marriage.
The first test for marriage is to find a common style and design of wedding rings. This means that one's personal tastes and interests are put aside in favor of the relationship and all decisions are made in the spirit of "we".
Do not wear someone else's wedding rings
Another tradition is that wedding rings must be new and never worn by anyone else. It is believed that wearing another person's wedding ring can bring bad luck to the couple. It is the same when it comes to giving away wedding rings. It is said that if someone wears a wedding band, the partner will cheat.
The significance of putting on the rings
The act of putting on rings is believed to convey something about the future constellation in the marriage: It is said that, among other things that if the ring slides effortlessly and smoothly over woman's hand, the man is the one who has the upper hand in the relationship - if it is placed in the middle part of the ring finger, the woman is the one to decide.
Loss of wedding ring
Another belief is that the wedding ring should not be lost or dropped, because it could lead to bad luck or end of the marriage.
The ring exchange has religious rites
There are different ways of exchanging rings depending on the religion. Find out more about it here.
Wedding rings in Christianity
The two rings, which are intertwined, represent marriage in many Christian church writings. The bond can only be broken in the event that one of the two was to break - it is symbolic of "until death do you part". Before the vows are said the rings are blessed, then followed by the exchange of rings. The bride and groom are then be blessed.
Wedding rings in Judaism
In an traditional Jewish wedding, the bride receives the so-called wedding rings from her husband beneath the chuppah or wedding canopy. Tradition dictates that it has to be plain - without a engraving, stone or any other specifics. The bride is not permitted to place a ring onto the groom's finger below the chuppah.
After the wedding the bride can receive a ring adorned by her husband. She could also give the ring to her partner.
Wedding rings in Islam
In Islam, the actual wedding ceremony is typically quite simple. It is not unusual to have just two people get married and two witnesses stand in front of the imam to announce their free will to wed. The celebrations that follow are significant to many couples and can be extended for a number of days.
Muslim couples also wear rings to mark their marriage. The only requirement is that men are not permitted to wear gold in accordance with the Koran. Wedding rings are more likely to be constructed from materials like titanium, palladium or platinum.