In June, hundreds of couples unite in marriage and seal their vows by exchanging rings. This tradition dates back to antiquity.
Ancients loved to decorate themselves with feathers, bracelets and rings. George Kunz in his book “Rings” states, “The ring is believed to be a modification of the cylindrical seal which was first worn attached to the neck or arm and was eventually reduced in size so that it could be worn on the fingers.”
The connection of the ring with marriage has various explanations. Egyptian literature mentions a finger ring used in connection with weddings around 2800 BC. In Egyptian hieroglyphics a circle signified eternity. Thus, marriage with a ring was seen as a bond forever.
Then there are scholars who claim the form of the circle for wedding bands grew from the circular bracelets or fetters primitive man used on women they captured – the ring being the miniature of the fetters.
Placing the wedding ring on the third finger came from Greek physicians anatomy charts in 3 BC. They mistakenly believed a vein ran from the third finger to the heart. Thus, the third finger held the wedding band which carried the “vein of love’ for matters of the heart. The Romans used this custom but called it “the finger next to the least.”
There are different theories on why “the finger next to the least” was chosen:
1) Rings were not worn as ornaments but as metal signets 2) As class citizens became more wealthy, stones were placed in the ring 3) The thumb was used too much, the index too exposed, the third too long, and the little too small
Scholars also differ on why the ring is placed on the left hand. Superstition stated the right hand symbolized power and authority, the left subjection. Thus, the ring on the left hand signified submission of a wife to a husband.
It was customary in Roman days for the groom to give the keys to his house to the future bride. Sometimes a miniature key was attached to the ring.
Wedding ceremonies were not prevalent to the early Christian. They didn’t have time for frivolity. During these years, the unconsecrated civil marriage was valid, and most couples only had to ask the blessing of the priest. Through the Middle Ages, the practice of a religious marriage in church or home by a priest became custom.
Early Christian writings of Tertullian (end of 2nd century) state: “Among our women the time-honored rules of their ancestors, which enjoined modesty and sobriety, have died out. In former times women knew nothing of gold except the single betrothal ring, which was placed on one of their fingers by the fiancee. It was Pope Nicholas I, at the start of the 9th century, decreed the engagement ring to be nuptial intent.
Gradually, in different countries, the wedding ring was substituted for the betrothal ring.
During the Middle Ages, the Trinitarian formula, used as late as the 16th century, was common. A priest placed the ring on the thumb, saying, “In the name of the Father.” Then the first finger, stating, “In the name of the Son,” and on to the second finger, saying, “And of the Holy Spirit.” Last it was placed on the third finger, saying, “Amen.” Today, this tradition is replaced by vows and the ring is only placed on the wedding finger.
A fashion in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century was to engrave rings, including the wedding ring.
At one time or another most fingers of both hands were used for the ring, and in the Elizabethan period the wedding ring was worn on the thumb.
Many variations of material were used in rings over the centuries from gold to rush leather. Gems were also popular. During the Renaissance period it was colored gems. Today, diamonds are the choice of most brides for the engagement ring. Tradition tells us the internal light in a cut diamond symbolized the “fires” of love. In the early 1900s, it was the DeBeers Diamond Association that popularized the diamond in America with the ad “A Diamond Is Forever.”
Today, customs and practices surrounding the wedding vary greatly. But, we all know “a diamond is a girl’s best friend.”
Carole Christman Koch grew up in Berks County and has been published in numerous publications. She has a passion for writing and has many stories from growing up on a farm to raising children to humorous stories about her and her husband to everyday stories to season stories and more.
