Matching Rings For Couples as a symbol: This is what the ring exchange means
Since the beginning of time, rings have been exchanged during marriages. While they may have had a different meaning wedding rings are today thought of as a symbol for love, loyalty and commitment in a partnership. You can learn all you need to know about wedding ring as well as their meaning and customs surrounding the ring exchange in this article.
Wedding rings as symbols a brief history
In ancient times there was only one ring presented at marriage to the woman. This was done to show that the woman was a member of a man or a family. The ring was typically used to signify that the man was the one who received the woman's inheritance. The ring was typically made of iron and was only given to the woman.
In 855 AD, there was a change in trend in the field of the exchange of rings: Pope Nicholas I gave the wedding rings a new meaning when he declared the ring to be an Christian symbol of love, infinity, and marriage. The couple who was to marry put their wedding rings on each other's fingers during the wedding ceremony and vowed their eternal love and loyalty before God.
The wedding ring is an essential element of marriage at least since the 13th century. Since then, the wedding band has symbolized love and loyalty within a marriage. While wedding rings were traditionally only exchanged during church weddings, newlyweds have long been placing rings on their fingers in the registry office.
Why is the ring symbolizing marriage?
The single ring, with its continuous curve, symbolizes the infinity of the marriage. The two intertwined rings, on the other hand, represent the deep bond that exists between two people who are married, and can only be broken in the event that one of the rings were destroyed. The two intertwined rings are usually used as a symbol or logo to represent everything that is related to the wedding.
Ring exchange The exchange of rings: customs and superstition
There are a few customs in connection with the exchange of rings however, there is also a certain superstition. Learn about the most famous ones 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 by the country. In Germany, the wedding ring is usually worn on the right hand. However, in other countries like Italy or the USA the ring is normally worn on the left.
Ancient Romans put their wedding rings on the left hand, too believing that a vein of love drew from the left ring to the heart. However, each married couple should decide on their own where the rings will be placed.
Wearing the identical rings
The wearing of the same wedding rings is a tradition that may not be widely known. According to this custom newlyweds should have identical rings, if it is possible, made of the same material, style, etc. The size may of course vary. This is considered to be an indication of unity within the family, and the unity that the couple forms on the day of the wedding.
The first test for marriage is to reach an agreement on the same style and design of wedding ring. This means that personal preferences and desires are put aside in favor of the relationship and the decisions are made in the spirit of "we".
Do not wear other people's wedding rings
Another tradition states that wedding rings must always be new and never worn by anyone else. A belief in the supernatural states that wearing another person's wedding ring could cause bad luck for the couple. This is also true when it comes to giving away wedding rings. One is told that if a friend wears one's wedding ring, the bride will cheat.
Meaning of putting rings on
The act of putting rings on is said to reveal the future of the wedding. It is said that if the ring slides over the woman's finger easily and effortlessly, then the man is in charge. If it is positioned in the middle of the ring, the woman is in charge.
Loss of the wedding ring
Another belief is that the wedding ring should never be thrown away or lost, as this could mean bad luck, or even the imminent end of the wedding.
The ring exchange is a part of religious significance.
When it comes to the exchange of rings, there are very different rules based on religion. Find out more details about it below.
Wedding rings in Christianity
In a lot of Christian church writings the two intertwined ring symbols are used to represent marriage. The only method to break the link was if the ring broken. This symbolises "until death do us part'. Before the vows are exchanged, the rings are traditionally blessed, and then followed by the exchange of rings. The bride and groom are then blessed.
Wedding rings in Judaism
At a traditional Jewish wedding where the bride is given the so-called wedding rings from her husband beneath the chuppah, or wedding canopy. The custom dictates that it should be plain, without any engravings or stones. The bride should not wear a ring beneath the chuppah, which is placed on the wedding ring of the groom.
After the wedding, the bride can be presented with a ring adorned with a wedding ring from her newlywed husband and she is also permitted to present a ring her spouse.
Wedding rings in Islam
In Islam the wedding ceremony itself is typically very simple. It is not uncommon for only two couples to be married and two witnesses who appear before the imam to announce their personal decision to be married. The subsequent celebrations, however, are very important for many couples and often last several days.
Muslim couples also wear rings to symbolize their wedding. The only condition is that men are not allowed to wear gold in accordance with the Koran. Wedding rings are more likely to be constructed of titanium, palladium, or platinum.