In contemporary times, an engagement ring serves as the iconic symbol of one’s love for the other. Some couples would even go beyond their way just to own a pair of breathtaking rings worth cherishing over; some sparkling with crystals ever so pleasant to the eye, while others are made out of pure gold.
It is important to keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with splurging over your proposal ring. Although you have other wedding arrangements to finance, your rings will remain with you for a long time. If anything, you are likely to wear it every day. Weddings are generally a once in a lifetime event hence it is only fitting to desire nothing but the best for your grand day.
Origin
The practice of owning a ring between couples has been observed in time immemorial, but there is no official record as to when and where this age-old tradition really began. One record shows the earliest exchange of wedding ring about 4,800 years ago from ancient Egypt. The material was composed of rushes, sedges, and reeds (which they grew together with the popular Papyrus plant), which was then braided and twisted into rings.
In Western cultures, the ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger — and this revered symbolism paved way for the finger to be universally known as the ‘ring’ finger. This proves that the ring, then, is regarded to be one of the most important symbols in the history of mankind.
Symbolism
The circle serves as a universal symbol for eternity, a shape which doesn’t have any beginning nor an end. This interpretation is not only limited amongst ancient Egyptian civilizations but is also true among other culture. Marriage is considered to be a sacred union among two people. You can find many beautiful circle designs when you search for customized wedding bands in singapore for your wedding. And what better symbol than a circle to associate it with?
Only a few couples in Singapore are aware of the further symbolism to these rings. Beyond its shape, the other parts also hold significance — like that of the hole in the center. It is not only to be considered as merely a free space. Rather, it signifies a door or a gateway, which leads you to things and events you may not know of. The married couple embark in their life journey together withstanding all the struggles and problems they may face in the future.
To give an engagement ring to the beloved also portrays the lover’s utmost and never-ending love. Rings bear testament to one’s intention of spending the rest of his life together with the woman who holds his heart dear. This sacred union remains strong for better or for worse, in sickness and death, and ‘till death do they both part.
Material
The earliest version of rings didn’t last long, mainly because the materials they were made of were rather weak and downright obsolete. Thanks to the many innovation in our way of life, materials such as ivory, leather, and even bones were then used to produce a wedding ring. If the material is more expensive, it is generally noted to show more love to the receiver. Hence in early times, the ring’s value directly demonstrated the giver’s wealth and status.
When Christianity incorporated the use of wedding rings in marriage unions around the year 860, the rings that were used back then didn’t take on the appearance of the simple plain band (as we know it today). Instead, they were noted to be lavishly decorated. Common engravings include lyres, two linked hands, and doves. In the 13th century, the church discouraged the practice and deemed it rather ‘heathenish’. The appearance of rings were given a more spiritual look and much more simplified from then on.
Vein of love
Rings are generally worn on the left ring finger nowadays. But before the norm was established, rings were worn on different fingers through different stages in history, such as on both the right and left hands and even the thumb. It was only standardized when the Romans (or as it is widely believed) began the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger. This is because the finger is believed to locate a vein which is directly connected to the heart. The vein is known as the ‘Vena Amoris’, which literally translates to the ‘Vein of Love.”
Regardless, science has proved that this isn’t actually true. There is no known existence of such a vein on the ring finger. Despite that, this myth remains popular among many romantics. It is still considered to be the primary reason why the fourth finger is associated with the wearing of rings.
Other reason
There is another practical theory behind why the ring is primarily placed on the fourth finger. Since most people on earth are right-handed, it is fitting to wear the ring on the left hand which they do not make use of as much as they do with their right hand. This makes the hand a perfect place for keeping the ring safe.
The fourth finger on your left hand is also considered to be the least-used finger other than pinkies. And because pinkies are notably too small, the ring finger is used instead considering its ample surface area.
Couples in Singapore, together with the rest of the world, undoubtedly know the significance of having a ring. The tradition of couples possessing a pair has been traced back to a thousand of years in history. This proves that rings are generally considered to be one of the most cherished symbols of love. The rings remained consistent one generation after the other, as it bears testament to the relationship and union between two people.
