Symbolism & History of Wedding Bands
The wedding band has a very long history, which increases its significance with regard to how it is used today. The wedding band is a tradition that has been maintained in many societies around the world---it often links back to the idea that the circle represents eternity, which is a perfect symbol for what should be an eternal commitment to marriage.
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History
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The wedding ring is the most recognized symbol of the unification of a man and woman in marriage. This symbol can be traced way back in time. According to Weddingrings.net, the wedding ring originates from North Africa among the ancient Egyptian civilization. They would twist and braid pieces of nature, such as leaves and bushes, and wrap them around fingers like rings or wrists as bracelets.
They wore it on the third finger of the left hand because they believed that a vein in that particular finger traveled directly to the heart. This legend was then passed onto the Greeks and the Romans.
Back then, hemp was usually the first choice of material for the wedding ring, but this material usually only lasted about a year. Those who desired a longer lasting material opted for leather, bone or ivory.
Significance
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The ring is circular, a symbol of eternity. The circle is a shape that was worshiped by Egyptians and many other ancient cultures in the form of the sun and the moon. The space inside the circle is not just empty---it represents a doorway leading towards the unknown future.
The ring started to be associated with love, in the hope that love itself could become like the circle and live on for an eternity.
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Types
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Most religious marriage ceremonies accept any material for the wedding band. Jewelers typically use a precious yellow alloy of gold, combined with copper and silver, or tin and bismuth to increase its durability.
Platinum and white alloys of gold are also used, although be careful: "white" gold alloys are often replaced by a cheaper nickel-gold alloy, and plated with a thin layer of rhodium, which suffers common wear and tear and usually needs to be reapplied after a few years.
Titanium has recently become a popular alternative material for wedding bands since it is both affordable and durable. The least expensive material that many couples opt for is nickel silver, which is great for those who are trying to save money.
Stainless steel has also become a popular option, since it has the same durability as platinum or titanium. Silver, copper, brass and other cheaper metals aren't as popular because they really wear out quickly. The ring is supposed to represent eternity, so it's kind of silly to choose a ring that doesn't convey that sense of permanence that a symbol of marriage should. Wood, stone and organic materials are also sometimes used (usually by the more free-spirited types), but these are more decorative and much less durable than metals.
Fashions
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A plain gold band is the most popular wedding band. It is commonly worn by medical personnel because it can be kept very clean. Women typically wear narrow rings, while men wear broader rings. Some couples decide to design their own wedding bands.
In France and French-speaking countries, many couples choose to wear three interwoven rings, which represent the Christian virtues of "faith, hope and love."
Women living in Greek and Anatolian cultures sometimes wear puzzle rings. These are sets of metal bands that match up like a puzzle to form a single band.
In North America and some European countries, most married women wear both their diamond engagement ring and plain wedding band on the same finger. Many couples purchase both rings at the same time since companies create them as a pair that fit together. Some women who have been married a long time even wear three rings on their fingers: the aforementioned two, plus an eternity ring. This is particularly common in the United Kingdom.
Religion
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Religious wedding ceremonies that reference rings:
Church of England--"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Jewish--"With this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel."--this is said in Hebrew by the groom at an Orthodox Jewish wedding and by both the bride and groom at a Reform Jewish wedding.
Roman Catholic--"Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Eastern Orthodox--"The servant of God is betrothed to the handmaid of God, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wedding ring exchange image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
