Promise Rings For Couples: A Symbol FULL OF SENTIMENT
A wedding is an event rich in symbols and traditions. Some ancient customs have been lost or forgotten through time. Others are firmly rooted in the solemn rituals of weddings.
The exchange of wedding bands is among the most important and emotional moments in an event.
The two spouses, hand in hand, vow to give one another eternal love in front of friends and relatives and seal their promise by gifting each the other the ring.
What significance is there in these golden rings, then? Why is this moment so important?
Faith comes from the Latin word "fidem" which translates to "trust". The etymology speaks for itself. The wedding ring is the very fundamentals of marriage. By the exchange of rings, couple pledges each other trust, respect, esteem and love, with the promise that it will endure for the rest of their lives.
Even the oldest civilizations had wedding rings as a symbol for marriage. The barbarians, the Egyptians and the Greeks used the rings as a symbol of the union of faith and love. In Roman times rings made of iron were used to seal the vows of marriage of young couples.
Since the 16th century the wedding ring began to take shape and had the meaning that we continue to attribute to it today. It was during this time that wedding rings were created in yellow gold, which has since been a symbol of eternity for the Catholic religion.
Etiquette
According to the etiquette guidelines wedding rings must be paid for by the groom, or given as a gift to the witnesses. Then, the rings are handed over to the male witness to the groom, who is the one responsible for taking them to where the ceremony will be held. The page boys and bridesmaids will then be given rings placed on a beautiful ring cushion. They will lead the bride on the wedding procession.
Tradition states that it is bad luck for brides to wear rings prior the wedding, and to buy both the wedding band and the engagement wedding ring at the same moment.
Left ring finger
Have you ever wondered the reason why a wedding ring is worn on the left ring? There's a romantic explanation for this custom. According to a legend the "vena amoris" or love vein runs through the left ring-finger, starting at the finger on the hand, and ending directly at the heart.
However, in reality, the wedding ring should not be worn on the left ring finger everywhere in the world. In some Northern European countries, such as Serbia, Poland and Russia, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. In the past, wedding bands were worn on the thumb in England. Even in today's Latin American countries, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.
Traditions, ancient beliefs and symbols: wedding rings are rings filled with promises expectations, meaning and significance. They are a symbol of pure, genuine love. It also serves as a living reminder of the promise.