More than 3,000 years ago, records show the Egyptians introduced fragile braided rings from hemp and reeds, then later used leather, ivory or bone to exchange rings that symbolized their love and commitment to each other. Undying love was dictated by how expensive a ring was. The symbolism of a couple’s undying love was the ring’s circle which had no beginning or ending, with the center opening as a gate to hope and possibilities.
The ancient Romans originated the metal ring with the introduction of iron rings for the bride. The metal signified power and perpetuity. The Romans also believed in placing the ring on the third finger of the hand because of the <i>vena amoris</i>, the vein that runs directly to the heart, is there.
During World War II, U.S. servicemen wore their wedding rings to show their commitment to their wives while stationed abroad. Pretty soon, civilians caught on to the tradition and wedding rings, particularly with both the bride and the groom became popular in the United States and continues to this day.
While many wedding rings are reasonably priced for the average couple, they can also be quite extravagant, costing thousands, even millions of dollars. Diverse styles of wedding rings come in silicone, platinum, gold and silver. After shelling out so much money, you probably will constantly want to wear, what for many, is a priceless investment.
Beyond the financial aspects, your wedding ring symbolizes to the world that you are in a covenanted and committed relationship with your marriage partner, so you are off limits. When an unmarried person meets you for the first time, many times their eyes are drawn to your ring finger to see if you are married or not. If you don’t have on your wedding ring, they may think that you are single and available.
While wearing a wedding ring will not always deter infidelity, looking at it could prick your conscience to discourage you from breaking your marriage vows. Wearing your wedding ring is a visual sign of respect for your spouse and shows your children, your community and even strangers, that you are a married man or married woman who can be trusted to abide by the sanctity of your marriage and that your marriage matters.
Sometimes unavoidable things happen in life where it is unfeasible for you to wear a wedding ring, and they have nothing to do with you wanting to cheat on your spouse. For instance, you’re allergic to metal or your job makes it difficult to wear jewelry. Perhaps, you hate wearing any type of jewelry or you’ve lost so much weight that the ring will have to be resized, but you don’t have the money. The best thing to do in that situation is to talk it over with your spouse. And if all else fails, maybe you could get a tattoo ring to symbolize your undying love.
