WEDDING RINGS - A SYMBOL With a lot of significance
A wedding is a celebration that is rich in symbolism and tradition. Some of the oldest traditions have been lost or changed in the course of time, while others remain firmly attached to the solemn rite of marriage.
The exchange of wedding rings is one of the most significant and emotional moments in a wedding.
In a handshake The two spouses vow each other a lifetime love before their family and friends. They seal their vow by giving each other the ring.
But what is the meaning in these gold rings? What makes this moment so meaningful?
Faith comes from the Latin word "fidem", which means "trust". The etymological significance speaks for itself. The wedding ring represents the essence of marriage. With the exchange of rings the spouses promise each other trust, respect, esteem and love, and the assurance that it will endure for the rest of their lives.
Wedding rings were a symbol for marriage for even the most ancient civilizations. The barbarians, Egyptians and the Greeks used the rings as a symbol for the union of faith and love. In Roman times, rings, made of iron, sealed the vows of newlywed couples.
Starting from the 16th century the wedding ring began to take on the appearance and meaning that we still associate with it to this day. In this period, wedding rings were made of yellow gold. This metal has always been a sign of eternality in the Catholic faith.
Etiquette
According to etiquette, the groom should pay for the wedding rings or give them as a gift by witnesses. Then, they are given to the groom's male witness, who has the task of transporting them to the location where the wedding ceremony will be held. At that point, the rings that are placed on a gorgeous ring pillow are handed over to the bridesmaids and page boys who will be accompanied by the bride on her wedding parade.
The tradition says it's bad luck for brides to wear rings prior to the wedding ceremony, and to purchase both the wedding band and the engagement rings at the same time.
Left ring finger
Have you ever thought about what the reason why the wedding band must be worn on the left ring finger? This custom has a romantic reason. According to a popular belief it is believed that the "vena amoris" (the vein of love) passes through the left ring finger beginning with the hand's finger and ending at the heart.
In actuality, the wedding ring does not always appear on the left ring-finger. In certain Northern European countries, such as Serbia, Poland and Russia, the wedding rings are worn on the right hand. In England, in the past wedding rings were worn on the thumb. Even today, in a lot of Latin American countries, wedding rings are always placed on the ring fingers of the right hand.
Wedding rings are full of significance traditions, tradition, and old beliefs. They contain promises of expectation, customs, and rituals. It is a symbol of pure, genuine love. It also serves as a living reminder of the promise.