In different countries, there are certain traditions regarding the peculiarities of wearing a wedding ring, which is considered a unique embodiment of family shackles. The history of the emergence of these traditions goes back to the distant past. Various theories have been put forward to explain why and how exactly married couples in different countries wear such jewelry. This is to a certain extent connected with religion, characteristics of the human body, and in some cases with prejudices.
Meaning
There are many different legends and theories associated with the appearance of this symbol of family relationships. In accordance with one of the theories put forward, in ancient times the presence of rings (from different materials - gold, silver, copper and bronze) was evidence of the wealth of their owner.
The groom presented them as a gift to his future wife (and in certain countries, to her parents), as proof that he could provide his future wife with everything necessary and support her with dignity.
According to another version, this has been the case since ancient times the product represented infinity. The bride and groom, putting on this unique embodiment of family shackles, gave vow of selfless love.
According to another theory, rings are recognized as links in a chain connecting spouses with close ties. The newlyweds wore similar accessories as evidence of the inviolability of marriage bonds, with which they were firmly connected.
The emergence of the ring tradition
The custom of putting symbolic items of this type on the fourth finger of the left hand originally originated in Ancient Egypt. Wealthy Egyptians used strips of precious metals connected in the shape of a circle for this purpose, and people with low incomes made do with simple iron options.
When studying human anatomy, the ancient Egyptians came to the conclusion that from the fourth finger of the left hand a nerve stretches (often called the “vein of love”) to the very heart.
Reference! For the first time, the process of exchanging such symbolic rings took place at a wedding ceremony in the 4th century.
Many years ago, the decision on how to wear such a symbolic accessory was made by rulers. In certain countries, these accessories were also worn on the thumb. Every nation has its own characteristic customs regarding the use of accessories of this kind.
Religion dictates which hand to wear a wedding ring on
Traditionally This type of jewelry is usually placed on the fourth (ring) finger. In certain European languages, in English, for example, it has a fitting name: ring finger.
Religion has a significant influence on the way you wear such an accessory.
Reference! In the old days, it was customary to recognize wedding rings as a powerful amulet that reliably protected family happiness and protected husband and wife from various troubles.
Orthodoxy
Orthodox Christians have products of this kind exclusively on the ring finger of the right hand, because exactly this hand (right hand) symbolizes right actionsI. The right side of the body is considered the most important by Orthodox Christians.
There is an opinion that it is this side that is responsible for wealth and well-being. With their right hand, people professing Christianity greet each other and sign themselves with the sign of the cross.
Catholicism
In most Western countries, Catholics wear these symbolic jewelry on the ring finger of the left hand. This is due to the fact that in Catholicism the ring finger of the left hand usually associated with the heart, located on the same side.
Important! Catholics often wear two of these accessories on their left hand, one symbolizing engagement and the other symbolizing betrothal.
Islam
Muslims, paying tribute to ancient customs, prefer to do without wedding rings. If men in such countries wear wedding rings, they put them on their left hand. Muslim men do not wear gold items. According to the religious norms in force in such countries, they can only wear silver jewelry.
Muslim women wear gold wedding rings on either hand, most often - on the left.
Reference! According to the Muslim faith, gold jewelry brings trouble to men and is considered a bad sign.
Who else wears a ring on their left hand?
Armenians - Christ, they also wear these symbolic accessories on their left hands, explaining this by the fact that the energy of love passes through this hand, supporting the family in difficult times. This tradition is supported by Cubans, Mexicans, French, Turks, Japanese and Canadians. It is customary to wear these symbolic jewelry on the left hand in South Africa and most Asian countries.
Reference! In Sri Lanka, the groom wears a wedding ring on his right hand and the bride on her left.
On the right hand
In accordance with ancient customs, In Russia, the wedding ring is worn on the right ring finger.
In addition, it is customary to wear wedding and engagement rings on the right hand: in Venezuela, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Greece, Poland, Serbia, Spain, India, Israel, Iceland, Norway, Colombia, Chile. In Holland, this custom is followed by those who do not profess Catholicism.
Special cases
A decoration of this type on the ring finger is an indicator of status, but at the same time, such an accessory can act not only as evidence of marriage ties. During divorce and loss of a spouse, the wedding ring is also worn, but in special ways.
Divorce
In countries where Christianity is practiced, After a divorce, it is customary to change the ring from one hand to the other. But many people prefer in this case to completely get rid of such an accessory in order to avoid constant reminders of this unpleasant event.
Advice! You should not re-gift such jewelry left after a divorce; it can bring negative energy with it. This is a bad omen.
Death of a spouse
In this case, it is customary to wear a similar accessory on the second hand. There is an opinion that loyalty to a loved one is shown in this way. But many people are of the opinion that it is strictly not recommended to wear such a product after the death of one of the spouses.
You cannot give such jewelry to any of your relatives. It will bring nothing to the new owner except anxiety, worries and negative emotions.
Signs with wedding rings
Many different superstitions are often associated with these accessories, based on which many people try to find out whether warm, trusting and harmonious relationships await the newlyweds in the future.
The most common signs include the following:
- Parents of the bride and groom are not recommended to give their wedding rings to the newlyweds if the parents' marriage has broken down. There is an opinion that jewelry of this kind is capable of accumulating and storing energy information about the previous owner.
- It is considered a negative sign to give such jewelry to other people to try on. However, at the same time, allowing an unmarried girl to touch such an accessory is a good omen. It represents a way to “share” one’s own family success.
- The groom must purchase both wedding rings. You should definitely purchase both of these products on the same day and in the same store. The couple can choose the appropriate option together, but in any case the man must pay for such a purchase.
- You should not purchase such accessories while in a negative frame of mind. In such a case, it is recommended to postpone the purchase until later.
- It is considered bad luck to wear such jewelry before the wedding ceremony.If a couple wants to emphasize the seriousness of their intentions, it is recommended to purchase special engagement rings for this purpose.
- To maintain good relations between spouses, it is not advisable to remove wedding rings unless there are compelling reasons for this. Spouses are also not recommended to exchange wedding rings with each other, since each such piece of jewelry has a special energy and can have a completely different effect on the spouses, even despite the fact that these people may be very close to each other.
A wedding ring is not just a beautiful decoration, but a significant accessory that symbolizes the creation of a family.
If the newlyweds are of different religions, they decide that each will wear a ring according to their own traditions. Therefore, the fingers can be different: the bride’s fingers are on her right hand (Orthodox), and the groom’s are on his left hand (Catholic or others).
The majority of representatives of different countries try to adhere to the customs of their country when it comes to wearing wedding rings, observing religious and cultural traditions.
0
