Significance Of Wearing Wedding Ring

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A wedding ring is a matter of great sentiment for everyone. It is a symbol of love which the couple is supposed to wear for a lifetime. Usually a wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand in most western cultures.

No one can say for sure as to when this tradition of wearing wedding rings started. According to records the system of exchange of wedding rings started in Egypt about 4,8oo years ago. Reeds were twisted and braided to look like rings and were worn on fingers as decorative ornaments by women. Later the Romans adopted this system but in their own style. The man who claimed a woman would present her with a ring made of iron. This was supposed to be a symbol of strength and permanence.

The Christians used the ring only in 860 in the marrige ceremonies which became a tradition. Let us find out more about the significance of wearing wedding ring.

Symbolism

The circle of the wedding ring is the symbol of eternity. The circle is unending. It neither has a beginning nor an end to it. The space in the ring is a door or a gateway that leads to the things and events which may be known or unknown. When the man and woman give a ring to each other, it symbolises their never-ending, eternal love for each other.

Traditions

Through different stages of history, the wedding rings have been worn in different fingers. According to the records the tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand in the ring finger came from the Romans. It is because it was believed that the vein from that particular finger which is known as the 'Vena Amoris' is directly connected to the heart.

Christian Traditions

Early Christian marriages had the ritual of wearing the ring on the third or the middle finger. The priest used to recite the prayer, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" and touch the thumb and the first two fingers, then place the ring on the middle finger. Thus, the wedding was deemed complete.

Later as the traditions changed, the ring was finally to be settled on the ring finger of the left hand.

Thus, the wedding ring holds an important place in the Christian tradition and with globalisation, it is moving on to other cultures as well.