Different cultures throughout the planet give varying insight into wedding ring symbolism. During history, the wedding ring has represented different notions while maintaining a rather typical theme. The circle of the ring is continuous, meant to be without a single seam. This represents the continuous nature of marriage, vows, and love.
On the other hand, it can be seen as a ring placed on the finger as a sense of "ownership." Wedding ring symbolism and implication has changed over the years and continues to evolve through time.
Rings have an extensive history of being considered a type of protection. Some cultures have considered them to have special powers that were at their most potent after a cantation, or blessing. Realizing that we still often use blessings and canting as part of the ring exchange during a wedding it could easily be said that we still hold at least part of this belief. The protection that a ring can give is thought to be deep and somewhat mystical.
Why do we put a wedding ring on the left hand? Why do we wear it on the third finger? Not all customs agree with this philosophy and there are many societies that wear the wedding ring on the right hand. The origin of such a custom can be traced back to Ancient Rome. The Romans were sure that this finger contained a specified artery that ran continuously from the hand to the heart. This blood vessel was believed to be solely in the third finger of the left hand.
The left hand was never used for sword fighting, and therefore it is seen as a safe hand. This is the hand that was chosen for adornment of anything from watches to rings to symbolize peaceful movements. In many cultures the left hand was seen as "bad." Left handed folks were forced to use their right hand, were not allowed to fight in armies, and were in fact considered defective on some level.
Present day customs are still steeped in these beliefs in spite of a larger understanding of left handedness. Wedding ring symbolism continues to include the appearance of the ring. Most societies use a simple, clean band with minor adorning. Celtic custom requires a beautifully crafted ring full of personal decoration. Most historians believe that the plain clean band was established to be a symbol that could not be confused when a woman was traveling or outside of her protective territory.
Nearly every society in the world exchanges a ring before or throughout a wedding ceremony. Not all societies support the male requirement for a wedding ring. Each way of life knows that the symbolism of the wedding ring is directly related to the commitment and promise of a future that's sealed in togetherness. - 33380
On the other hand, it can be seen as a ring placed on the finger as a sense of "ownership." Wedding ring symbolism and implication has changed over the years and continues to evolve through time.
Rings have an extensive history of being considered a type of protection. Some cultures have considered them to have special powers that were at their most potent after a cantation, or blessing. Realizing that we still often use blessings and canting as part of the ring exchange during a wedding it could easily be said that we still hold at least part of this belief. The protection that a ring can give is thought to be deep and somewhat mystical.
Why do we put a wedding ring on the left hand? Why do we wear it on the third finger? Not all customs agree with this philosophy and there are many societies that wear the wedding ring on the right hand. The origin of such a custom can be traced back to Ancient Rome. The Romans were sure that this finger contained a specified artery that ran continuously from the hand to the heart. This blood vessel was believed to be solely in the third finger of the left hand.
The left hand was never used for sword fighting, and therefore it is seen as a safe hand. This is the hand that was chosen for adornment of anything from watches to rings to symbolize peaceful movements. In many cultures the left hand was seen as "bad." Left handed folks were forced to use their right hand, were not allowed to fight in armies, and were in fact considered defective on some level.
Present day customs are still steeped in these beliefs in spite of a larger understanding of left handedness. Wedding ring symbolism continues to include the appearance of the ring. Most societies use a simple, clean band with minor adorning. Celtic custom requires a beautifully crafted ring full of personal decoration. Most historians believe that the plain clean band was established to be a symbol that could not be confused when a woman was traveling or outside of her protective territory.
Nearly every society in the world exchanges a ring before or throughout a wedding ceremony. Not all societies support the male requirement for a wedding ring. Each way of life knows that the symbolism of the wedding ring is directly related to the commitment and promise of a future that's sealed in togetherness. - 33380
About the Author:
Buying a wedding ring used to be so easy. There weren't many choices; it was pretty much yellow or white gold, with perhaps a bit of etching on the band. These days, though, there are so many choices it can seem overwhelming. Learn more about what's available at Best Wedding Rings.
