The wedding rings is a simple expression of the promise of love and, therefore, one of the oldest. Wedding band can be dated back to Egyptians, 3000 B.C., when they exchanged rings made from twisted and braided papyrus in grand. The circle was considered as a symbol of eternity, the hole as a gateway leading to events. The ring signified the everlasting immortal love. The papyrus was quickly replaced with sturdy materials such as bone, ivory, leather. Rings made of expensive material not only depicted the love of a person but also the wealth.
Soon, the Romans adopted this tradition, but with a twist. They gave the ring as a sign of ownership. The men would ‘claim’ their woman by gifting a ring. These rings were made of iron that symbolized strength and durability. They wore it in the left finger because they believed that the vein called the Vein of Love directly connected to the heart. The scientists have already proven this wrong, but the myth still continues. By 200 B.C., gold and silver bands entered the scene. These were given by the husband while carrying his bride across the entrance. Ancient Greeks soon followed the trend.
During the Middle Ages, English men first placed the band on the bride’s thumb, then her pointer finger, middle finger and finally on the ring finger while reciting the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. In the medieval Europe, gold bands with gemstones were used, such as rubies symbolized love, sapphire for the sky and infinity and diamonds for indestructible love. According to the Jewish culture, marriage is not legal unless something physical is exchanged like a wedding band. The band is worn on the pointer finger.
The smallest wedding ring was the one given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, when she was two years old by the son of King Francis I. In the 17th century England and France, rings made of silver called the ‘posy rings’ became popular. The word ‘posy’ refers to a love poem that is inscribed inside the wedding band. During the rule of George I, the ring was worn on the thumb.
During the second World War, American soldiers started wearing the band during the wars in Europe and Pacific as a remembrance of their beloved. Many Europeans wear their bands on the right finger. Today, wedding bands are made of titanium, tungsten and gemstones such as pearl, diamond, rubies.
