Wedding Rings - Engagement 101
The act of selecting a mate and consecrating the union through ceremony is practiced throughout the world. You might be surprised to find out that although the ceremony may vary greatly among regions and cultures that wedding rings have almost become universal. The exchanging of wedding rings as part of a betrothal ceremony can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times, over 4800 years ago. Romans used the presentation of “wedding rings” as a binding contract, which represented the young lady’s unavailability to other men. Although it was originally a pagan symbol, Christians adopted the exchanging of wedding rings around 870. The Catholic Church officially adopted the practice during the Middle Ages. It was around this time that individuals began adorning the pieces with various gemstones.
In some countries, such as England, it is required by law that a band be part of the observance. Wedding rings have become so entrenched in the ceremony either by legal or ritual reasons that some interesting items have been used as a substitute for the traditional. There are documented cases of curtain rings, cigar bands, and even a circular piece cut from a gentleman’s glove being used as a replacement. Other countries have replaced traditional customs with wedding rings. For example, during the 1800’s in Japan women, who were married, would black out their teeth as a sign of their nuptials. Today, both men and women have adopted the custom of wearing rings to signify their union. The real change throughout the years has been the materials used to create the jewelry.
The first wedding rings were fashioned out of iron. However, the wealthy would exchange the iron pieces for gold, when they were outside of the home. Among the disadvantaged came a variety of materials, which were inexpensive and readily available. The “rush”, so called for the quickness in which it could be fashioned, was constructed of leaves and grass, while other wedding rings were made from leather, as well as various metals ranging from brass to platinum. Regardless of the material used, wedding rings were typically seen only on women until the 1940’s. Prior to World War II, only 15% of men were adorned with this matrimonial symbol. However, when war broke out and many young men found themselves bound for places far from the one they loved, they began wearing wedding rings as a reminder of what awaited them at home. The Korean and Vietnam Wars helped to keep the tradition alive, and today the majority of married men now sport this symbol of affection.
As you can imagine, selecting a ring can be a challenging undertaking. The implication of this purchase is much more profound than the average jewelry piece. Fashions change, which is evident in its history, so purchasing the piece that fits your personality, should be top priority. Today, couples should feel free to choose wedding bands that are not necessarily the same, but share the similar features. For example, if the bride prefers a wide polished platinum band, and the groom prefers a traditional look, they might want to compromise on wedding rings that incorporate both aspects. Another important feature is choosing the perfect band for your hand. Wide bands will make a large boned hand appear bigger, while the same is true for a narrow look. The jeweler can help you determine the perfect style for your hands structure.
The history of these bands is a fascinating journey through timeless love. In reality, the bands exchanged during the vows in today’s ceremonies symbolize many of the same things, as the wedding rings of centuries ago. Of course, the most important meanings are the ones that the bride and groom share between one another. The true reason for these rings is to show the world your undying love, as it has been done throughout the ages.
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