Jewish Wedding Tradition of Wearing a Ring on the Index Finger
During ancient times, a Jewish groom had to give something of value to his bride, which she then had to accept in order to consecrate the marriage. The token was traditionally a gold coin but later evolved into a simple, solid ring. New rules regarding placement and type were then established. Even in modern times, these rules are still followed, even if only during the ceremony.
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Proximity
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At the time of the Talmud in Ancient Israel, the index finger was thought by the Jewish people to be most connected to the heart. Therefore, placement on the this finger would be a direct link from the groom to the bride's heart. Christians, by contrast, believed it was the ring finger.
Visibility
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The bride's right index finger is the one that she uses to point with when reading the Torah, making it the most visible to witnesses. It is important that witnesses clearly view the event, as the ring giving is what sanctifies and validates the marriage.
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Type of Ring
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The ring placed on the right index finger must be made of a solid, continuous metal, most often gold, silver or platinum. This uninterrupted ring signifies both the hope of an unbroken union and that the marriage will continue everlastingly. Interruptions not allowed include external engravings, stones or gems. The simplicity of the ring also symbolizes its purity. Today, if a traditional Jewish bride and groom want to select rings with stones to wear long-term, the groom must buy a solid precious-metal ring from a family member and then sell it back after the ceremony.
Ceremony
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During Kiddushin, or betrothal, the groom slips a ring onto the bride's right index finger and says "Behold, you are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel." Or "Thou art consecrated unto me with this ring as my wife, according to the law of Moses and Israel." This ring giving is known as the "erusin" ceremony.
Modern Placement
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Today's Jewish brides sometimes move the ring to their left ring finger after the completion of the ceremony. Grooms, if they are to receive a ring, do so at a different point of the ceremony, or if performed by a traditional rabbi, after the ceremony.
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References
- Photo Credit ring image by Adkok from Fotolia.com
