WELCOME

PLANNING

ATTENDANTS

ATTIRE

INVITATIONS

CEREMONY

THEME WEDDINGS

DECORATIONS

FLOWERS

FAVORS

MUSIC

FOOD

PUNCH

CUSTOMS

VOWS AND TOASTS

BRIDAL SHOWERS

SHOWER GAMES

ANNIVERSARIES

EVERYTHING ELSE

Wedding Ring History

Have you ever wondered about our wedding ring history? Or why the wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment?

In ancient times, a circle symbolized eternity. This is one reason that people worshiped the sun and moon. A wedding ring is a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end.

The hole in the center of the ring represents the door leading to things and events - known and unknown.

Another part of wedding ring history is that the wedding ring was first made of hemp. Later men began to make them from leather, bone or ivory, so that they would last longer.

One of the first wedding ring traditions was the engagement ring which served as an all purpose betrothal and wedding band.

Later, in medieval times, the groom would often pay for the bride's hand in marriage with precious stones.

While the practice of paying for a bride has ended in most cultures, the gift of precious stones, as a symbol of love and intent, still remains a wedding custom.

COMMON GEMSTONES AND THEIR MEANING

Garnet - Symbolizes many things: fire, faith, truth, grace and fidelity.

Amethyst - Anyone wearing an amethyst could not become intoxicated.

Aquamarine - To the early Christians it symbolized harmony, happiness, innocence, youthfulness and purity.

Diamond - Symbolizes eternity and courage

Pearl - The rich white luster symbolizes a pure heart.

Ruby - Rubies are believed to have great powers, ensuring a peaceful, harmonious and healthy life.

Opal - This stone is said to bring emotional, physical and mental harmony.

Citrine – Said to bring light heartiness and joy.

Blue Topaz – Symbol of love and affection.

Emerald - Symbol of hope.

Not until the late nineteenth century did the diamond become the real focus of the engagement ring and a part of wedding ring history.

SUPERSTITION FOR THE BEST DAY TO BUY YOUR WEDDING RING

There is a superstition for almost everything in a wedding.

Here is a rhyme for picking the best day to buy your wedding ring.

Monday - A busy and exciting life
Tuesday - A peaceful and contented life
Wednesday - A good tempered relationship
Thursday - Attainment of all your wishes
Friday - Hard work but reward in time
Saturday - Will give you life with much pleasure.

WHICH FINGER FOR THE WEDDING RING

Medieval bridegrooms placed a ring on three of the bride's fingers to symbolize, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The ring on the third finger of the left hand would remain. It is believed that the vein in this third finger goes directly to the heart.

The third finger has now become the traditional ring finger for most English-speaking cultures.

WEDDING BAND ENGRAVING IDEAS

Inscriptions on wedding rings are as old as the tradition of exchanging bands. This was a very popular practice in Medieval times and has continued through the ages.

An engraving becomes a permanent part of your wedding ring - making your wedding band even more meaningful to you and your spouse.

Have something special and personal engraved inside your wedding band. Many couples choose to have their names or special messages engraved on their wedding rings before the wedding.

Your wedding ring inscription can be about anything you want. It can be romantic or humorous. Or you can choose to just have your wedding date and initials engraved inside.

Click to leave Wedding Ring History and return to Wedding Customs.

Click to leave Wedding Ring History and return to the Wedding Ideas home page.

SBI!