The custom of wearing wedding rings is thought to have originated before the rise of Rome. Marriages were originally thought of as a business contract that blended two families in order to share wealth rather than as the union of individual lovers. The wedding ring was originally a token of this exchange of property. However, today marriage is seen as commitment made between lovers and the wedding band carries with it less tangible meaning such as fidelity, love, and devotion.
There are many traditions surrounding the wedding ring. In many customs it is the last of a series of gifts that includes the engagement ring. During the wedding ceremony, the wedding ring may be kept by the best man and presented during the wedding vows or in more elaborate ceremonies they may be brought out by a ring bearer on a special cushion. Marriage once had more financial overtones and this was reflected in medieval wedding vows such as these from the prayer book of Edward VI in which the phrase, ‘with this ring I thee wed’ was followed by the phrase, ‘this gold and silver I give thee’ which was followed by a gift of gold and silver coins.
Most religious traditions accept rings of any metal for making marriage vows. Traditionally they are a plain band made of a gold alloy. Other materials include titanium, tungsten carbide, nickel silver, and stainless steel. Copper, brass, and silver are not popular choices because they tarnish over time and lack the permanent character of other metals. Usually mens wedding bands are larger than those made for women.
The traditional gold band is still the most popular style of wedding ring. However, it is not the only option. Couples from French speaking countries often use three interlaced rings standing for the Christian concepts of ‘love, faith, and hope’. Rings decorated with Celtic knots symbolizing continuity and oneness or the Claddagh style standing for fidelity are popular amongst people of Irish, Scottish, and other Celtic heritages.
In many European countries, the wedding ring and engagement ring are the same ring but it changes status with engraving and the change of hand on which it is worn. In traditions where they are separate rings there are a variety of options regarding whether or not the engagement ring is worn at the wedding ceremony. One option is to wear it on the left hand and have the groom slide the wedding ring over it. Another option is to wear the wedding ring and the engagement ring on different hands. A third option is to have the maid of honor keep the engagement ring during the wedding ceremony then return to the bride afterward.
Beginning in the 19th Century, jewelers began encouraging giving men wedding bands but it wasn’t seen much until after the Second World War. A double ring ceremony is now part of more than 80% of wedding ceremonies.
Whether the womens or mens wedding rings are worn on the left or right hand depends on cultural traditions. Using the right hand to make oaths has been a tradition since ancient times. Placing the wedding ring on the right hand emphasizes the sacredness and sincerity of the wedding vows. Cultures that believe the vena amoris or love vein passes through the left ring finger wear the wedding band on the left hand. Traditions also dictate how the ring is worn. Some women wear the wedding ring below their engagement ring so it is close to the heart. Some wear it above the engagement ring to seal the engagement into the marriage. Others wear the wedding ring by itself while storing their engagement ring someplace safe.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!