5/16/11

The Human Import Of Wedding Bands Now And In The Past.

By Fersch Weiban


Wedding rings have such significance that it was a matter of concern at a recent event when the groom had to force the ring over the bride's finger. This could be seen as a sign of an unhappy marriage to come. Whether or not this may be the case, it remains true to say that the wedding is one of the most important signs in human affairs

The custom of wearing a ring to signify marriage seems to have originated in Egypt and somehow spread from there to Europe. Subsequently it has spread throughout the world. Engagement rings have been added to signify betrothal and males have recently begun to wear a band to match their partners.

Fidelity cannot be enforced. It must come from the heart. As Christians are taught, the sin of adultery does not have to be consummated to be a sin. If a man or woman covets another married person secretly from within the ring of marriage he has as good as committed the sin. This cannot be rationalized and condemns most men to be sinners, and some women too

From a mercenary viewpoint the ring worn on the fourth finger of the left hand is a quick signal to the world of the marital state of an individual. Many a man has the habit of stealing a quick glance at a woman's hand before venturing an opening remark when he meets a woman. It is thus a very important moderator of relationships.

In the past, when marriages were often regarded as convenient financial arrangements, the ring signalled the exchange of material assets. Mothers and aunts might have watched eagerly for the gift of a purse lined with gold to follow the ring. Most probably the financial arrangements would have preceded the wedding ceremony, so that the ring itself was really a sign of a serious transaction.

Way back in the seventeenth century a poet lamented: 'Oh! How many torments lie in the small circle of the wedding ring.' The truth of this plaintive comment is well documented in history and literature. It is a testament to the symbolic significance of this particular piece of jewellery which should be given and taken as one of the most simple but significant signs in the life of a person.

From a more emotional and personal standpoint the band is a sign of love and fidelity. This is a more uplifting and satisfying interpretation. Despite the many instances of failure and betrayal the fact remains that love and loyalty are real, prevailing and enduring currents in human affairs. Wedding rings symbolize these finer things, these oaths that mean much to people and remain symbolic of sincere intentions.




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