In the times of Ancient Egypt, around 4800 years ago, were thought to be the first use of wedding rings or wedding bands.
This ring is usually worn (depending upon Country) on the third finger of the left or right hand, known as "vena amoris" or "vein of love" by the Romans who thought it linked directly to the heart. Always used as a symbol of marriage and originally worn by the women only. Since around the start of the 20th Century, it is now universally accepted to be worn by the man also.
The River Nile is thought to be the source of the first designs of wedding rings. The same river that brought everything possible to the Pharoahs and Egyptian peoples, also had the reeds along its banks. These reeds and then that of hemp were plaited and intertwined to make a sort of ring to sit on the finger. Because they did not last long, they were soon overtaken by the use of leather and bone.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
Legally, if a women accepted a wedding ring from a man, then she was known to belong to him. This is was because the ring was a sort of formal contract.
In early Rome they started to use iron as the material to make these rings, and then on to copper and brass, followed by silver and gold for those who could afford their increasing popularity. Just as is sometimes done nowadays, gemstones such as ruby and diamonds may be added for their respective links to love and indestructibleness.
Through the time of the Italian renaissance, silver took over in the most popular metal used, and so it did then through England and France throughout the 17th Century. Also during these times gold began to show more prominence with many wedding rings being engraved around the inside with such words as "faith" and "hope". As gold became the norm for such items, then those who could not actually afford one for their wedding day, could borrow one until after the ceremony! The Church of England does not concern itself with the design or metals used, just as long as there is one for the ceremony.
The Catholic Church has always promoted the use of these wedding rings due to the fact that Mary and Joseph used them made of onyx or amethyst. Oppositely the early Protestant Puritans said that they were in fact a sacrilege, and should not be worn.
The ring had to fit perfectly, as it should today. If it was too tight then this could lead to jealousy and possessiveness, but if it was too loose then this could lead to unfaithfulness and recklessness.
Originally a ring that was known as a "gemmel" was used when rings were to exchanged in relation to pre-wedding ceremonies. This ring was made from three bands. One was given to the women, one to the man, and one to a witness. On the actual wedding day it would be put back together and placed as one on the women's finger. The exchange of wedding rings as we really know it today did not start until the beginning of the Second World War, when the men who went away to fight for their country were given one by their wives. This would keep them safe from harm and not allow them to forget their loved ones back at home.
Today, just about all those who follow Christianity wear the wedding ring. except those of the Quaker faith.
This ring is usually worn (depending upon Country) on the third finger of the left or right hand, known as "vena amoris" or "vein of love" by the Romans who thought it linked directly to the heart. Always used as a symbol of marriage and originally worn by the women only. Since around the start of the 20th Century, it is now universally accepted to be worn by the man also.
The River Nile is thought to be the source of the first designs of wedding rings. The same river that brought everything possible to the Pharoahs and Egyptian peoples, also had the reeds along its banks. These reeds and then that of hemp were plaited and intertwined to make a sort of ring to sit on the finger. Because they did not last long, they were soon overtaken by the use of leather and bone.
The shape was thought to mimic their worship to the Sun and Moon, and because it had no start or no end, it also symbolised eternity. The whole was supposed to be their entry into all that was unknown or known.
Legally, if a women accepted a wedding ring from a man, then she was known to belong to him. This is was because the ring was a sort of formal contract.
In early Rome they started to use iron as the material to make these rings, and then on to copper and brass, followed by silver and gold for those who could afford their increasing popularity. Just as is sometimes done nowadays, gemstones such as ruby and diamonds may be added for their respective links to love and indestructibleness.
Through the time of the Italian renaissance, silver took over in the most popular metal used, and so it did then through England and France throughout the 17th Century. Also during these times gold began to show more prominence with many wedding rings being engraved around the inside with such words as "faith" and "hope". As gold became the norm for such items, then those who could not actually afford one for their wedding day, could borrow one until after the ceremony! The Church of England does not concern itself with the design or metals used, just as long as there is one for the ceremony.
The Catholic Church has always promoted the use of these wedding rings due to the fact that Mary and Joseph used them made of onyx or amethyst. Oppositely the early Protestant Puritans said that they were in fact a sacrilege, and should not be worn.
The ring had to fit perfectly, as it should today. If it was too tight then this could lead to jealousy and possessiveness, but if it was too loose then this could lead to unfaithfulness and recklessness.
Originally a ring that was known as a "gemmel" was used when rings were to exchanged in relation to pre-wedding ceremonies. This ring was made from three bands. One was given to the women, one to the man, and one to a witness. On the actual wedding day it would be put back together and placed as one on the women's finger. The exchange of wedding rings as we really know it today did not start until the beginning of the Second World War, when the men who went away to fight for their country were given one by their wives. This would keep them safe from harm and not allow them to forget their loved ones back at home.
Today, just about all those who follow Christianity wear the wedding ring. except those of the Quaker faith.
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