Wedding rings are one of the main symbols of marriage bonds. But the newlyweds usually do not think about where and when the tradition of exchanging rings arose. Meanwhile, this custom has a long and very interesting history.
Wedding rings in antiquity
For the first time, the betrothal rite arose in ancient Rome. True, the groom there gave not a gold, but a simple metal ring, and not to the bride herself, but to her parents. At the same time, the ring was considered a symbol of the undertaken obligations and the ability to support the bride. As for the tradition of putting the ring on the bride's finger during the engagement, it was not romantic, but commercial in nature and was associated with the custom of buying the bride.
It was initially customary among the Jews to hand over a coin to the bride as a sign that the future husband would take on her financial support. Then, instead of a coin, the bride was given a ring.
Gold wedding rings first appeared among the Egyptians. They put them on the ring finger of their left hand, as they believed that the "artery of love" runs from it directly to the heart.
The ancient Romans gave their future wives rings, shaped like a key, as a sign that a woman was ready to share all responsibilities with her husband and become an equal partner in managing the house.
An engagement ring as part of a wedding ceremony
Initially, the engagement ceremony was much more important than the wedding itself. Only in the 9th century, thanks to Pope Nicholas, the exchange of rings became part of the wedding ceremony. At the same time, the ring came to be considered a symbol of love and fidelity.
Interestingly, both rings did not always have to be gold. In the 15th century, an iron ring was put on the groom's finger, symbolizing his strength, and the bride, as a sign of tenderness and purity, a gold ring. Later, a custom appeared according to which a gold ring was put on the groom, and a silver ring for the bride.
According to the established tradition, the purchase of rings is considered the duty of the groom. From the point of view of the Christian church, wedding rings should be simple, without any jewelry. But at present, this principle is no longer as strict as it used to be, and, if desired, future spouses can choose rings decorated with precious stones.
It is believed that after the wedding, wedding rings should be worn without removing, as they have a direct impact on the fate of the married couple. The loss or breakage of the ring is perceived as a bad omen, foreshadowing the imminent collapse of the marriage.
The exchange of wedding rings is an ancient and beautiful custom that has survived to this day. But the main thing in the life of a spouse is not the ring itself, but genuine feelings: love, loyalty and mutual understanding.
