In ancient Egypt, the modest beginning of wedding bands occurred when lovers fashioned Nile plants into circles, the symbols of infinity. Created from hemp, papyrus, sedge, and reed, they were twisted and braided into rings to entangle the loved one's heart. The hole formed by the void represented the gateway through which the couple would embark in their new lives together. The history of wedding bands spans sentimental traditions and also those of marriage contract.
The third outer finger on the left hand was believed to contain the heart meridian according to Chinese medicine, and this is the traditional finger for ring placement. Alexander the Great instilled this tradition in Greece as well from Egypt.
Metallurgy in Roman times led to bands made of iron, copper, and brass, although iron was known as the symbol of strength of love. The rings were roughly fashioned so gemstones were added for color and style, called gemstones engagement rings. Ring exchange assured the woman became the man's property; however, it also guaranteed her place in his home so that no other woman could usurp her position.
Gold and silver rings made their way into popularity when they were deemed more valuable, increasing the cost of wedding rings. A man's betrothed added to his property value, hence the ring was a sign of trust and a pledge of contract, given to her when they crossed their new threshold home.
Previously exchanged before the ceremony, rings given during the wedding began as a trade of property, not of love. Marriage was at times and still can be simply a family contract joining interests. Once given, the ring signified the bond not necessarily between lovers but of the parents involved.
In Medieval Europe gold was the standard offering and bands were adorned with gemstones. Sapphires and rubies had symbolic meaning of the sky and the heart, and diamonds were most valuable due to durability and eternal beauty.
Silver was the choice of metal during the Renaissance Era in Italy, given to a bride-to-be at a betrothal party. This ring was frequently replaced by a gold one during the wedding. France and England followed through with silver rings briefly during the time.
In the late nineteenth century, United States marketing endeavors pushed men to wear matching wedding bands in double ring ceremonies. Most modern designs are made of gold or platinum featuring diamonds, and titanium is new on the market. Knowing the wedding rings history can help you select the perfect new gift for your betrothed!
The third outer finger on the left hand was believed to contain the heart meridian according to Chinese medicine, and this is the traditional finger for ring placement. Alexander the Great instilled this tradition in Greece as well from Egypt.
Metallurgy in Roman times led to bands made of iron, copper, and brass, although iron was known as the symbol of strength of love. The rings were roughly fashioned so gemstones were added for color and style, called gemstones engagement rings. Ring exchange assured the woman became the man's property; however, it also guaranteed her place in his home so that no other woman could usurp her position.
Gold and silver rings made their way into popularity when they were deemed more valuable, increasing the cost of wedding rings. A man's betrothed added to his property value, hence the ring was a sign of trust and a pledge of contract, given to her when they crossed their new threshold home.
Previously exchanged before the ceremony, rings given during the wedding began as a trade of property, not of love. Marriage was at times and still can be simply a family contract joining interests. Once given, the ring signified the bond not necessarily between lovers but of the parents involved.
In Medieval Europe gold was the standard offering and bands were adorned with gemstones. Sapphires and rubies had symbolic meaning of the sky and the heart, and diamonds were most valuable due to durability and eternal beauty.
Silver was the choice of metal during the Renaissance Era in Italy, given to a bride-to-be at a betrothal party. This ring was frequently replaced by a gold one during the wedding. France and England followed through with silver rings briefly during the time.
In the late nineteenth century, United States marketing endeavors pushed men to wear matching wedding bands in double ring ceremonies. Most modern designs are made of gold or platinum featuring diamonds, and titanium is new on the market. Knowing the wedding rings history can help you select the perfect new gift for your betrothed!
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