A History of Wedding Rings

A wedding ring or wedding band typically is a small finger ring which symbolizes that its owner is already married. It’s usually personalized with the date of the wedding ceremony or the name of the bride or groom. In some countries it may also display the initials of the couple. It’s also commonly crafted in gold, or at least designed to look like it. Wedding rings can be plain or design with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, or any other precious or semi-precious stones.

Traditionally, wedding rings are worn by the men during the engagement ceremony, but today this isn’t the only occasion where one another wears one another’s wedding bands. It may be a family member, or a friend, who is the one who is giving the ring as a gift. The two individuals who will receive it, however, will most likely wear them on their left hands when they hold hands. While this may seem somewhat odd, there are actually superstitions attached to this custom.

One of the reasons why couples wear their rings during their engagement is because it signifies that their love for one another has not died. Some cultures believe that if the heart is left open that it will turn bad, which is why some cultures say that it is better if the heart is sealed before a wedding day. After all, no one wants to be heartbroken on their wedding day. Another belief is that rings can ward off evil spirits. This is one reason why some couples choose not to wear one another’s wedding bands prior to their wedding day.

Another tradition that brides and grooms may choose to follow involves wearing of wedding rings throughout history. As previously mentioned, ancient egyptians were known for their handmade jewelry, and as such, they made rings for their wedding ceremonies. Rings were used as markers of social status in ancient egypt, and as such, these wedding rings may have also been worn by royalty. There is also a belief among many that wearing a matching ring, or one that is very similar, can provide an instant protection from harm, although there is no concrete evidence to support this belief.

In ancient Rome, it is believed that it was against the law for couples to wear any type of metal bands on their fingers, as it was said that copper rings would cause too much of a change in a person’s temperament. However, in 1740 it was allowed for couples to wear a gold ring, as long as it did not cause any sort of detriment to the body. In fact, it is from this time period that gold rings became extremely popular, especially among the upper class. Rings were worn throughout the year, as in ancient rome, and it is from this time period that we know that Romans typically wear their rings on their right hands. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was also not against the law for couples to wear a gold ring, though it was not as widely accepted as it is today.

With Christianity taking hold in the European continent after the dark ages, ring exchange between Christians started on an international scale, with each country having their own version of the tradition. One of the most widespread exchange of rings came from Ireland, where people were using the metal as currency. When Christianity spread to other areas of Europe, they too began to wear their religions symbols on their fingers. At the present time, a tradition has grown within some countries for both men and women to exchange rings as a sign of marriage. No matter what religion or customs are involved, the custom of wearing wedding rings is one that symbolizes love and commitment and will be with us for all of our lives.