For many years people have given and taken engagement rings and wedding bands. But today, engagement rings and wedding bands have become a tradition with no purpose behind it. You give it to your fiancé or fiancée because everyone else gives them. People have lost the knowledge of these sacred rings and have absolutely no idea what’s the meaning of giving an engagement ring. Apart from a symbol of relationship, wedding rings and engagement bands represent many promises and emotions. These include:
- Commitment
- Honor
- Love
Have you ever wondered how and when did these rings came into being? Let’s have a look at the brief history of these symbolic pieces of jewelry.
The most common and known wedding band today is believed to have been originated from Egypt. In Ancient Egypt, several plant sections were cut and shaped to form a circle that represented eternity and immortal love. The band was always put on the 4th finger (the ring finger) because it is believed that this finger is the only finger that has a vein that connects directly to the heart. This is why this finger is where we put these bands or rings.
The tradition of offering engagement rings was accepted by Romans after the Egyptians. Romans agreed with the idea of wedding finger and its connection with the heart. However, the Romans did not present this ring as a symbol of love or eternity, instead it was presented as a sign of ownership. Men who gave this ring to a woman claimed that woman to be their own.
The tradition of wearing engagement rings was later carried out by Arabs. In the Middle Eastern region, only rich men presented a ring to their wives. For a woman to wear this ring when her man was away from her was considered mandatory in this era. Because these rings were puzzle rings, when someone removed them from their finger, they would break down. Hence it allowed men to find out if their women were being disloyal in their absence.
The ring tradition that is carried out through many different eras and even today is one of the most popular ways of starting an everlasting relationship. If you are about to get engaged, remember that the ring is not just a ring, it’s a symbol of many promises and eternal love.
These days, there are many types of rings. Fancy colored diamonds, white sapphire diamonds, and even brown or “chocoloate” diamonds are becoming very popular.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
