The Ring that Binds
Did you know that 74% of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring? 60% of those are involved in picking out their ring, while 3% actually pick it by themselves.
Perhaps other than the ‘kissing’ part in a wedding ceremony, the exchanging of wedding vows through wearing of rings signifies the ‘official’ commitment of two hearts and souls to be one.
Normally, the man and his wife recite such lines to bind their love for each other, “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day.”
What is the origin of the word 'betrothed'? It comes from the Anglo-Saxon 'troweth' that means truth. Betrothed means 'giving a truth or pledge'.
However, these days, more and more couples who got married never get to understand the real meaning behind the giving of rings particularly the ‘engagement’ and ‘wedding’ rings. Such pieces of jewelry are not just plain and simple jewelry, but these have emotions and promises attached to it e.g. love, commitment, fidelity, eternity and honor.
The reason why engagement rings and wedding bands are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because in ancient Egypt it was believed that it had a special vein called 'vena amoris'--the vein of 'love' that directly rans through the heart.
With that in mind, the wedding scene in the film ‘Runaway Bride’ was ‘too’ meaningful due to the scene that preludes it was the scene were Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts) proposing to Ike Graham (Richard Gere), “I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me.”
The word 'diamond' originated in Greece, which means 'adamant' and stands for steadfast or invincible. Diamonds were believed to be invincible, indestructible, and exceedingly strong. the vein of 'love' that directly rans through the heart.
Today, there are two known types of rings that involve commitment with two people who are in-love and are considering of binding themselves in marriage—the engagement ring and the wedding ring. Back in ancient Greece, it is believed that the Greeks were the ones who introduced the idea of the‘traditional’ engagement ring. Such piece of jewelry is given as a memento of care and affection. The ring given to the object of their affection are also considered as betrothal ring for Greeks and usually given before the actual marriage ceremony, but not really a pre-requisite. The value of engagement rings is just similar to a ‘friendship’ ring. Only members of the royalty and the affluent can afford to exchange ‘engagement’ rings since it was way expensive that no ordinary couples could afford it. It was only after the turn of centuries that ‘engagement’ rings become popular and ‘traditionally’ acceptable.
What's a 'princess ring'? It is a type of English engagement ring which contained three, four or five diamonds in a row, across the top. Its design was very popular in the early 20th century.
Meanwhile, wedding rings or wedding bands originated in ancient Egypt. Plants were made into circular shape to symbolize lasting love. They wear it on the fourth finger, which is now known as the ‘ring finger’ since according to some source, it contains a special vein that connects directly to the heart, thusmade it the ‘official’ and ‘symbolic’ finger for wedding bands. Also, Egyptians had given various meanings on rings and the most popular of which was the scaraboeus or beetle, a.k.a. the symbol of the world. Rings such as Etruscan were frequently regarded for its rare beauty and for its great value as well.
In the rhyme 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue', it symbolizes the blood of royalty. Both the bride and the groom were once considered to be 'royal' on their wedding day.
Even in the film ‘Lord of the Rings’ that was based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, it utilized the ‘ring’ as the artifact being part of its central plot. In the story, the main antagonist, Lord Sauron created the ‘One Ring’ to rule the other ‘Rings of Power’, which points the importance of the ring that binds; to have dominion or ownership over all things.
The smallest engagement ring ever gifted to a bride-to-be was the smallest 'betrothal ring' on record was that of the two-year-old Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. This was when she became engaged to the infant Dauphin of France, son of King Francis I, in 1518. It was a tiny gold ring, set with a valuable diamond, was fitted to the Princess's finger.
Whether the ring in Tolkien’s novels was used for lust for power, what it shows is strong and deep emotions like passion. Having passion is the very reason why couples get married and it simply reflects its usage for wedding bands and engagement rings—the ring that binds two souls; to be united in a life-long and everlasting commitment in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. Such is the promise to cherish and respect each other, to care and protect, to comfort and encourage, and stay with together, for all eternity.
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