History of Wedding Rings| Wedding Rings Online
Wedding rings have a long history full of legend and symbolism. Throughout time, and in many cultures, wedding bands have been both a symbol of eternal love, and of ownership. According to every story, the act of putting a ring on your beloved’s finger should be taken seriously, and considered part of a forever commitment.
The ancient Egyptians are credited as being the first civilization to use wedding rings. Hieroglyphs depict stories of couples giving rings to one another, though stories differ when it comes to what the rings were made of. Some legends say that the rings were made from rushes collected by the Nile. Others say that the rings were made of fine metals and richly adorned with jewels. Regardless of the material used, the meaning of the ring to the Egyptians was the same: Just as a circle never ends, so too will love continue forever and ever.
The wedding band makes its next historical appearances in Ancient Rome. During this time rings were originally made from iron, and then gradually switched over to more valuable metals such as silver and gold. The Romans gave rings to their brides as they carried them across the threshold of the home. At this time, the ring was a sign of ownership. It said: This woman belongs to me and I will have her heart forever.
Several wedding ring stories and traditions come out of Europe during the Dark and Middle Ages. During this time it was common for a man to give his bride a ring of gold to pledge his eternal love and commitment. Depending on where the couple lived, and what class they belonged to, these rings were either plain bands or intricately carved works of art set with jewels and stones.
During the 17th century, the most popular wedding ring was the Poesy ring. These rings were beautiful bands, made from precious metals, and inscribed with love poems. Poesy rings were long considered the most romantic way to pledge love, and they were so popular that Shakespeare referenced them in his works.
Still, one of the most interesting historical facts about wedding rings deals not with what was worn, but who wore it. Historically, wedding rings were only given to, and worn by, women. It is only in modern times that men are expected to wear a ring to show their commitment.
The dual ring ceremony, where both the man and woman receive a ring, was introduced in the 1300’s by the Greek Orthodox Church. The custom didn’t catch on, however, until recent history - World War II, in fact. During this time, couples were in a hurry to get married before the men went off to war. Men began wearing wedding rings so that they would have a constant reminder of the loving wife who was waiting at home for them while they were away at war.
Since this time, the dual ring ceremony has become the most common kind. In western cultures it is now expected that both the man and the woman in a marriage will wear a wedding ring to show their commitment.
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