It’s a tale as old as time, and you are ready to make that walk down the aisle to claim your love forever. But, ever stop to wonder what makes this tradition so special? Or why the exchanging of rings has become the most popular tradition, holding thousands of years of history and tales behind it? We all know the basic traditions of wearing a wedding band. It goes on the left hand’s ring finger, and it tells the world that you are married. For men, it usually is a simple metal band and for women it’s a band that can either closely match their engagement ring, or can be a decorative band that can be worn with or without the engagement ring. So besides that, where does the ‘tradition’ come from in this very much traditional event?
Contemporary Band
Not that surprisingly, it definitely can depend on your culture, and your cultural background of your ceremony that would determine the traditions behind your adornment of the wedding bands. Many cultures have developed their own traditions surrounding the ceremony itself, as well as the gifting of the rings to each the bride and groom. Most of the traditions that occur today in ceremonies and gifting rings tie back to the original European culture. According to some European based cultures and customs, the wedding ring is the final gift in a series between the lucky couple, which usually begins with the engagement ring. Furthering European traditions, it has become a custom for both men and women to wear wedding bands. This tradition has only become popular in the 20th century, as it were only women who usually wore the bands prior in history. In Eastern Orthodox traditions and cultures, the exchange of these rings don’t happen during the wedding service. Rather, they are exchanged between the couple at the betrothal, or the formal engagement of the couple.
Classic Band
One ancient tradition states that the ring shall be worn on the third finger of the left hand, for both men and women, participating in the tradition. According to the Ancients, the importance of this finger stems from their belief that it was the holder of the ‘vena amoris’ also known as the vein of love. Therefore, by encircling the finger, and thus the vein, the eternal love of the couple will reach directly to the heart of the beholder and the love of the couple will encircle the heart as a whole. This has become a popular tradition because it shows the eternal and everlasting devotion and love that the couple has for one another. It then becomes a symbolic reference to their love and becomes a symbol for the rest of the world that their heart belongs to someone.
Other traditions believe that the wedding ring should be worn on the third finger of the right hand, instead of the same finger on the left hand. Some legends have suggested that the left hand carries negative connotations; therefore it should not be the holder of a precious object such as a wedding ring. Since Ancient Rome, traditionally the right hand is raised when taking pledges or oaths, signifying the individual’s undying pledge to uphold their commitment. Due to this ideal, the right hand has become a very popular choice among couples upon their marriage ceremony.
The traditions and significance of the bands itself, doesn’t just end with the couple becoming engaged, they carry an immense presence in the ceremony as well. The wedding bands are usually held secure by a best man, or best woman for the ceremony, until it is time for the couple to exchange the rings. The gifting of the rings carries a significant meaning, not only for the couple but in significance of the wedding ceremony as a whole. Once it is time for the exchanging of the rings in the ceremony, each person exchanges the ring as an eternal symbol of love and commitment to one another. The circle that the ring forms signifies not a beginning, nor an end, rather a lifetime of devotion to one another, and the commitment of your love forever.
Not only did the rings symbolize eternal love, but it also symbolized a trade. Exchanging the rings was also done as a symbol of exchanging valuables. Before, marriages were connected to the exchanging of valuables as it was customary of the time to trade items of value, for example land, or money, between the families that were being joined through the marriage. A contract between the two families was being formed with the marriage. Over time, such traditions have diminished, and marrying your sweetheart for love has long since replaced the traditions of marrying for land or monetary ties. Therefore, the rings in which one is wed in, have carried an even greater importance than ever before. The ring now represents the love, commitment, devotion and trust that encircle the couple for a lifetime. That is why choosing the ‘perfect’ rings have become even more an essential part of the planning process. Each couple is different, with different standards, ideas of what is their ‘perfect’ band. After all, it will be worn for a lifetime! Once you and your loved one have selected the perfect bands, now the only question that remains is which hand carries the most significance to bear the band? After all, it will be there for a lifetime, so what is the ‘right’ answer? Just like many of the traditions observed by individuals, it depends on your personal beliefs and traditions. Whether it is ancient beliefs that still hold true or possibly other sacred values that hold personal meaning, the tradition should hold a special significance to the couple. It is completely up to the individual or the individual couple and which tradition they choose to follow to decide where the ring will be worn.
Which ever finger, or ring style, or type of metal you and your beloved decide upon for your personal ceremony, the symbol of the wedding band remains the same throughout, as a symbol of eternal love and devotion between the pair. It is a symbolic representation to the rest of the world, your eternal commitment to one another. Ultimately this becomes the most customizable and special event for the couple alone to share with each other. Search for your perfect band at WeddingBands.com! Browse the wide selection of Classic, Contemporary, and Diamond bands! Looking for rings that you both will enjoy and have more of a unique look rather than a traditional one? Check out the Royal Duet line, exclusively at WeddingBands.com Make your day and the rest of your life special and check out the extensive selection from WeddingBands.com!
1 comment
6th Jan 11
Tiffany
