InfoBarrel > Lifestyle > Holidays & Celebrations

What Can We Learn From Wedding Ring Symbolism?

KimA |

0 Comments | Rating: 0 | |

The actual symbolism of the wedding ring varies heavily when you compare different cultures. Nevertheless, those that use plain bands each seem to share a common theme of continuous love, devotion, and a universal understanding of the chronic renewal of the wedding vows.

Throughout history there is evidence that the ring was only placed on a woman's hand because she was considered to be owned property and she was committed to her vows. Breaking her commitment could easily mean death.

Rings have a long history of being considered a form of protection. Some cultures have considered them to contain special powers that were at their most potent after a cantation, or blessing. Considering that we still often use blessings and canting as part of the ring exchange during a wedding it could easily be said that we still hold at least part of this belief. The protection that a ring can give is thought to be deep and somewhat mystical.

The left hand is not a universal choice for every worldwide culture. Although it is a very common practice and can be found in all progressive countries. Moreover, the Romans once thought that the left hand, third finger, was a direct line to the heart. It was supposed to hold an artery that ran up the arm and directly to the heart.

The left hand was never used for sword fighting, and thus it is considered a safe hand. This is the hand that was chosen for adornment of everything from watches to rings to symbolize peaceful movements. In many cultures the left hand was considered "bad." Left handed individuals were forced to use their right hand, were not permitted to fight in armies, and were actually considered defective on some level.

Today's customs are still steeped in these principles despite a larger understanding of left handedness. Wedding ring symbolism continues to include the look of the ring. Most cultures use a simple, clean band with little adorning. Celtic custom calls for a beautifully crafted ring full of personal decoration. Most historians believe that the simple clean band was determined to be a symbol that could not be confused when a woman was traveling or outside of her protective territory.

There is some version of a wedding ring in almost every culture throughout the world. While some cultures only require the woman to wear the ring, and the time of exchange can vary, the simple lines of a wedding ring can be traced well into world history.

Buying wedding rings used to be so easy. There weren't many choices; it was pretty much yellow or white gold, with perhaps a bit of etching on the band. These days, though, there are so many choices it can seem overwhelming. Learn more about what's available at Best Wedding Bands.