- How are wedding rings worn in Russia?
- Do Muslims wear wedding rings?
- How do Catholics deal with this?
- The Armenians?
- The Turks?
- On which hand do Americans wear wedding rings?
- Jews?
- Divorced?
- Widows and widowers?
- What do they wear instead of rings?
- Are Wedding Rings Safe?
- Do homosexuals wear wedding rings too?
The tradition of wearing wedding rings appeared before our era, presumably in ancient Egypt (according to other sources, in ancient Greece), although archaeologists and historians cannot yet say for sure - it is not a fact that some of the unearthed ancient rings were wedding rings.
In ancient times, rings, due to their complete circle shape, symbolized infinity. Thus, wearing wedding rings symbolized endless love and fidelity in marriage for both spouses.
This tradition has survived for centuries and has survived almost unchanged to this day. Now crossed wedding rings are a recognized symbol of newlyweds, marriage, and family.
However, in different cultures, countries and religions, the tradition of wearing wedding rings varies slightly, most often slightly.
On which hand do Muslims and Arabs wear a wedding ring?
- According to ancient traditions, Muslim weddings are held in a mosque. The ritual is performed by a mullah, consolidating the marriage of two loving hearts before Allah. In ancient times, newlyweds did not exchange rings. This tradition appeared only a few centuries ago.
- In countries where Islam is practiced, wedding rings are worn exclusively by women . At the same time, they decide for themselves which hand to put the jewelry on. Iranians wear rings on their left hands, while Jordanians wear rings on their right.
Is it on one hand?
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.
On which hand do Turks and Tatars wear a wedding ring?
- In Turkey, during a wedding, jewelry is worn on the left ring finger. In addition, a guy puts a ring on the same finger for a woman when he proposes to her.
- Recently, more and more traditions have appeared in Turkey that came from the West. Therefore, some, more modern couples wear rings on the right ring finger.
- For those who do not know how Tatars wear wedding rings, further information will be relevant.
- Tatars put a “symbol of love” on the ring finger of their left hand.
Not everywhere on one
Interesting facts
Gold began to be used as a material for wedding rings in the 2nd century BC, and the Italians came up with the idea of decorating rings with precious stones.
In many countries, the ring was used not as a symbol of love, but as a woman’s belonging to her husband, warning her against extraneous male attention. Devices were also used to make it impossible to remove the ring. For example, in Rome, having put a ring on a finger, it was squeezed to such an extent that it was impossible to free oneself from it. On the ring itself there was a carved engraving with the husband's name.
In eastern countries, mechanisms were used to prevent the removal of the ring. It was necessary to make 10 movements so that the ring did not collapse when it was removed. The husband knew the cunning combination, and it was impossible to conceal an independent attempt. At the same time, husbands did not need rings at all.
Men began to wear rings everywhere only during the world wars. The decoration reminded me that people were loving and waiting at home and gave me strength.
Rings made of precious metals were worn by noble people. Simple peasants have been using wooden or iron rings for a long time.
In the modern world, there are thousands of models of engagement rings, from the simplest to the designer ones. The lineup is replenished every summer, since the warm season is the most common time for weddings. Ring fashion changes all the time. Basically, they make the same rings for the bride and groom, differing only in size. Rare materials such as meteorite iron are becoming popular. Jewelers constantly make rings based on individual designs, making them unique. Such jewelry is very expensive, and they are not always made of precious metals. Against the background of all this, ordinary smooth rings have taken a strong position and do not lose their relevance.
On which hand do Europeans and Germans wear a wedding ring?
- In Europe the situation is a little more complicated. In the western part of the continent, couples wear marriage jewelry on their left hand. And in European countries it is customary to extend your right hand.
- If a marriage takes place between loving hearts from different countries, they find a compromise. Most often, they adhere to the traditions of their families, absolutely not worrying that their love will disappear.
- If you are interested in the situation in specific countries, then the traditions are quite fascinating. Spaniards, Poles, Norwegians and Germans wear jewelry on their right hand in the registry office. The French, English and Irish wear wedding rings on the left.
Do Russians and Europeans wear it on the same hand?
Signs
There are many traditions and various signs in the wedding ceremony, including those associated with rings.
- For a long marriage, rings are bought at the same time in one store.
- When exchanging “wedding rings,” they must not be dropped. If this does happen, the witnesses must lift the ring and pass it through the white thread.
- It is forbidden to use rings from previous marriages; melting down the product is not an option. Old jewelry “drags” old problems and disagreements into a new family.
- Rings inherited and donated by blood relatives will help save a marriage.
- The purchase of rings traditionally rests with the groom.
- It was believed that the ring should be smooth, without additional decorations - then marriage would be suitable for it.
- In Muslim countries, it is not customary for men to wear gold, so rings are made of silver or not worn at all.
- In Rus' there was also such a thing when they wanted to replace rings with more useful signs of attention. Girls were given a thimble, men - brass knuckles.
However, excavations refute some signs and traditions. For example, it has been proven that in Russia different materials were used for newlyweds’ rings; the shapes could also differ from each other. Like Russian outfits, they were never smooth, but had variegated colors and were trimmed with lace. The fashion for smooth rings came from abroad at the beginning of the 19th century, and then the sign about a “smooth marriage” appeared.
Engagement ring
The tradition of giving a ring to the bride before the wedding originated in Europe in the Middle Ages. By accepting the ring, the girl agreed to get married. Since in other countries the issue of marriage was not so free (mostly everything was decided by agreement of the parents), this tradition came much later. The ring confirmed the seriousness of the intentions of the bride and groom and was perceived as a sign of the well-being of the future spouse. Such gifts from the girl were not required.
After the wedding, the wedding ring was worn next to the engagement ring on one finger or put on the other hand.
On which hand do Russians wear a wedding ring?
- Since ancient times, the Slavic peoples have followed the same tradition. Newlyweds, when they got married, presented rings to each other and wore them on their right hands. This custom is quite simple to explain. A person does everything with his right hand: he crosses himself, does household chores, pays for purchases in the store and gives alms.
- Our ancestors were convinced that the right hand is dominant. Therefore, newlyweds must wear the “symbol of marriage” on it. Nowadays, a guy puts a ring on his chosen one’s right hand if he proposes marriage to her. Although earlier, engagement jewelry was not common. The groom, wanting to express his attention to his chosen one and express his intention to marry, gave the girl and her family various gifts. For economic reasons, this tradition faded into the background. Now a man just needs to present a girl with a ring to offer her “his hand and his heart.”
Selection of stone and metal
Precious metals and precious stones are suitable for engagement jewelry. Most often, gold items with diamonds are chosen. Yellow, white, rose gold and platinum are suitable. For lovers of silver jewelry, you can choose just such a metal. Remember that not every gem is suitable for engagement. Do not buy a product with pearls, it is associated with tears. Ruby resembles the color of blood. Diamond baby is like a broken love. But a diamond is associated with long-lasting love and brings lasting and strong relationships.
A diamond doesn't have to be big. Massive jewelry is not very comfortable to wear. A small pebble shimmering in the light looks very gentle. Two or three gems are allowed in an engagement piece. When choosing a ring, take into account the preferences and tastes of your chosen one.
On which hand do the Chinese and Japanese wear a wedding ring?
- Slavs are often surprised when they see “symbols of love” on the left hand of residents of other countries. Asian countries have quite fascinating traditions.
- In China, the fairer sex is considered the leader in relationships. Therefore, after the wedding, she puts a ring on her right hand, and the man wears a wedding ring on his left. In Sri Lanka it's the other way around.
The choice of hand depends on traditions and religion
What does the ring tell you?
In ancient Egypt, where the custom of wearing a thin hoop originated, they could judge a person’s status by where this item was located.
- If a person wears it on his index finger, then he is in search of his other half.
- Wearing it on the little finger indicated that the man was not ready to start a family.
- The ancient Greeks, noted for their fickleness in love, wore this item on their middle finger.
- In China, this item was melted so that any finger could be ringed. Hieroglyphs meaning “happiness” and “longevity” were necessarily carved on it.
- Divorced ones ring the left hand. They seem to suggest to the opposite sex that they are now completely free.
- In India, as well as in England, during the reign of King George I, the sign of marital fidelity was worn on the thumb. Today in many countries it is the thumb that is ringed.
On which hand do Jews wear a wedding ring?
- Jews do not have a single ritual that is performed upon marriage. The fact of what faith the newlyweds belong to has an influence. If they believe in the Holy Scriptures and follow the canons of the Torah, then the newlyweds exchange wedding rings and put them on their left ring finger. If the couple corresponds to more modern traditions, then the guy and the girl decide for themselves which side to wear the jewelry.
- In ancient times, Jewish men did not wear rings because they considered it inappropriate. But the girl must wear the “symbol of marriage” on her left index finger. This only happens until the end of the marriage. Afterwards, she independently chooses which finger to put the jewelry on. In Jerusalem, during a wedding, the bride puts a wedding ring on her left middle finger.
History of the ritual
To understand the history of this romantic tradition, you need to look back several centuries. Ancient Egypt is considered to be the birthplace of the symbol. It was there, 5 thousand years before the beginning of our chronology, that the Egyptians first made the ring a symbol of marriage and matrimony.
The ancient Egyptians paid a lot of attention to their own appearance and beauty, and knew how to create very beautiful jewelry. and a small part of wealthy Egyptians could afford the most expensive and exquisite jewelry . Ordinary poor citizens also strove for beauty and learned to make jewelry from cheaper materials, sometimes even the most unexpected.
The first marriage rings were purely symbolic rings woven from reed grass. Egyptians in love began to exchange them when they swore an oath of fidelity and love during the marriage ceremony. What guided young and loving hearts then remained unknown, however, this ritual began to be supported, acquired legends and became an unchanging tradition that spread far beyond the borders of Egypt .
On which hand do divorced people wear a wedding ring?
- If a man and a woman are divorced, then they have every right to remove the wedding ring. Neither etiquette nor religious scriptures say that the “symbol of marriage” must be worn throughout life, even after divorce. A person is allowed to make his own choice.
- If you do not want to part with your wedding ring for various reasons (liking, habit or cost of jewelry), then you need to move it to your other hand. That is, if during the wedding you put the ring on your left hand, then after the divorce you need to move it to your left.
- Accordingly, if you put the wedding ring on your right hand, then after the divorce you should wear the ring on your left. In some cases, people who are divorced attach the wedding ring to a chain and hang it around their neck. This homemade pendant looks aesthetically pleasing and can be worn with any outfit.
- Some couples take the emotional component into account. After all, others may ask unnecessary questions regarding marital status. If you refuse to wear a wedding ring after a breakup, you won't have to feel awkward and explain this to others.
Should I take pictures during a divorce?
Original and exclusive options
If your bride loves bold designs, then choose a piece of jewelry for her that is imaginative. Girls with narrow fingers should choose a thin ring that will harmonize with their delicate hands. Long “musical” fingers require wide decoration in an unconventional form. It can be a ring in the form of a diadem, a crown, with an ornament or engraving.
The diamond can be replaced with zirconium or cubic zirconia. For brave girls, a product with sapphire, topaz, and amethyst is suitable.
Lovers of practical, comfortable jewelry should choose the option with stones that will not cling to anything. In such smooth rings, small pebbles are scattered around the circumference. This is a very elegant and luxurious model.
An exclusive option would be a ring made of several types of metal. Very often, for such an occasion, a heart-shaped gem is inserted.
Some girls prefer art-design style jewelry. These are completely unique products. Often tungsten, carbon, and ceramics are used for their manufacture. They can also be decorated with processed diamonds and gems. Such products have a lower cost than traditional ones. It is important to note that a diamond can be more than just clear white. Yellow, brown and even black pebbles are also suitable. In general, it is worth noting that choosing an engagement ring is a very sensitive and exciting experience. Every worthy man will approach this moment with full responsibility.
On which hand do widows and widowers wear their wedding ring?
One of the most terrible situations is the loss of a loved one. Therefore, a man or woman who is widowed refuses to stop wearing a wedding ring. This is how they try to express love and respect for their loved one, especially if love, mutual respect and warmth reigned in the family.
If you still decide to wear a wedding ring after the death of your loved one, there are several options for how things might turn out:
- a woman who has lost her beloved man puts a “marriage symbol” on her left ring finger;
- The widower prefers to put his wife’s ring on a chain, and leaves his own in the same place as during the marriage.
What to do if you lost your husband
- Some widows and widowers take their deceased partner's wedding ring to church. It is believed that this gives the deceased peace in the other world.
- If you can't figure out what to do with the "marriage symbol" left behind after the death of a loved one, listen to your heart. It will definitely tell you the correct answer.
Various signs regarding wearing wedding rings
Numerous superstitions and traditions have long been associated with wedding rings:
- if the parents are separated, they are not recommended to give their rings to the newlyweds for engagement - do not transfer their negative karma;
- You cannot give your jewelry to try on for friends or relatives;
- the groom must buy both rings (even if both spouses chose);
- According to legend, an unmarried girl, having accidentally touched the bride’s ring, should expect a speedy marriage;
- It is undesirable to use wedding rings in advance of the wedding - this leads to troubles or the breakdown of the marriage.
In wartime, wedding rings reminded soldiers of the family hearth that was so lacking in the soldiers' trenches.
How to wear an engagement ring correctly?
- In Russia, the wedding and engagement rings are worn side by side - on the right ring finger. But this rule does not have to be followed unconditionally. A guy and a girl can cheat on him, according to the customs and traditions of their people.
- Some girls immediately after marriage wear an engagement ring on their left hand, and the wedding ring remains on their right. You can often find brides who wear both jewelry side by side. In some cases, girls prefer to constantly wear only the jewelry donated at the registry office, and store the engagement jewelry together with all other jewelry (in a box or special box). Do as you see fit.
Classic engagement ring
When creating engagement rings, craftsmen take into account folk traditions and customs. Jewelry stores offer many classic and original models. The combination of gold and diamond is considered a classic. But even among the exemplary models, there are hundreds of options to choose from. A classic ring indicates the wealth and status of the owner. The most prized ring is a round diamond ring. It is important to note that it is with white gold that the gemstone is fully revealed.
How to wear wedding rings?
- Most people don't see the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring. And this is a big mistake. Wedding jewelry is worn by newlyweds in the registry office, but wedding jewelry is worn in church.
- The church charter states that you need to choose the right gifts for a wedding. For the bride it is better to choose items made of silver, and for the groom – from yellow metal (gold). The first option is a symbol of purity and femininity. Gold symbolizes masculinity.
- During the wedding, the couple exchanges rings three times. For the last time, they place “symbols of love” on each other’s left ring finger. Give preference to jewelry that has the words of prayer engraved on it. They should not have precious stones on them.
As desired - together or separately
As you can see, there are many different customs and traditions associated with wedding rings. Each country follows its own rituals, but in some cases they can be intertwined. Fortunately, now people have become more modern and less superstitious. Therefore, each couple has the right to decide for themselves what to do.
Interesting articles about rings:
- Is it possible to wear other people's rings?
- What to do with your engagement ring after the wedding
- Signs about rings
- How to remove a ring from your finger
- How rings on fingers influence fate
Meaning
There are many different legends and theories associated with the appearance of this symbol of family relationships. According to one of the theories put forward, in ancient times the presence of rings (made of 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, since ancient times, such a product personified infinity . The bride and groom, putting on this unique embodiment of family shackles, took a vow of selfless love .
According to another theory, rings are recognized as links in a chain connecting spouses with close ties. The newlyweds wore such accessories as evidence of the inviolability of the marriage bonds by which they were firmly connected.
In Russia
Many couples can't figure out how to wear rings. Most likely, this was due to the global mixing of Western and domestic traditions. It should also be remembered that in addition to the engagement itself, there is also an engagement and wedding ceremony.
- Engagement . This is a ring of promise and proposal. The future groom should put it on the bride immediately after proposing his hand and heart. Moreover, they wear it only on the right hand, on the ring finger. The bride should not remove it or try it on any other fingers, as this is a bad sign. It is believed that after this the engagement may be upset. Only women have this ring.
- Engagement . It is also worn by the groom. According to tradition, on the same finger as the engagement finger. Now they are even trying to match the appearance of these two rings to create a certain ensemble. They purchase this jewelry even before the wedding and keep it with the witness until the solemn moment of exchanging rings. Losing it, like removing the engagement card, is a bad omen. If in the first case there is the possibility of breaking the engagement, then in the second - an unfulfilled marriage.
- Wedding . It can only be worn by those couples who not only got married, but also went through the wedding ceremony accepted in Orthodoxy. The finger is still the same. And the hand is the right one, since according to the Orthodox Church custom it is customary to make the sign of the cross over oneself with it.
There is one important point. If the couple nevertheless decides to get married, then during the ceremony, when the wedding ring is put on, the other two - the wedding and the engagement ring - are removed.
There is only one thing left, since it is believed that with its help a man and a woman are bound together by the Lord himself and this marriage is approved in heaven. Therefore, the wedding is the most important.
Slavic traditions - subtle energies
Why is it that wedding rings are worn this way and not otherwise in Russia? This custom came from the ancient Slavs. Their main patron was Yarilo - the god of the awakening of nature, fertility, sexual power and all living things. The ring finger on the right hand is connected to it. Therefore, the rings were worn on him. Moreover, they were very cherished, as they were considered the most powerful family amulets and endowed with mystical properties. The husband presented his wife with a ring made of gold, since this metal carries solar - male energy. The wife, in turn, is silver. After all, silver is a lunar metal, and the moon has always been considered the patroness of a woman, endowing her with her energy. This exchange established balance in the marriage, so the rings were never removed. The surface had to be smooth, without any gaps or patterns, because this could affect the marriage relationship, and they should be soft and calm. In addition, irregularities in the metal could change the magical properties of the talisman. They were passed down from generation to generation. The more happy families whose ancestors saw these rings, the more precious they were considered for descendants .
Another reason for the right hand
In addition to the fact that all Orthodox Christians cross themselves with their right hand, there is another reason for wearing a wedding band on this hand. At a minimum , this symbolically shows that the spouses do not just live together, but actually honor family and marriage as the greatest value . Again, if you look from the point of view of the peculiarities of the mentality, then the “right” has always been considered more valuable, real, correct, strong. It is not for nothing that in Russian the words “pravda” and “right” (even if this means a side) come from the same root. In contrast, “left” symbolizes the crafty, insincere, weak and wrong. That is why the right hand - the right hand - has always been a priority.
And what should wedding rings be like in general? Let’s find out this far from simple question. In this article we will talk about wedding hairstyles with bangs. Here: https://banquettes.ru/prazdniki/svadba/koltsa/kakimi-dolzhnyi-byit-nadpisi-na-obruchalnyih.html - you can choose the inscriptions you like for wedding rings.
From a psychological point of view
Studying the structure of the brain and its functions, science has come to the conclusion that the left hemisphere is responsible for logical thinking, and the right, on the contrary, for feelings, sentiments, imagination, etc. This happens for the vast majority of people. The only exceptions are those who are called left-handed. However, there are very few such people, only about 10%. The left hemisphere is responsible for the work of the right side, and the right is the opposite. Some psychologists explain the right-sided wearing of a wedding ring by our people and some others by the fact that we treat the institution of marriage more responsibly and rationally. Whereas in countries where it is customary to wear a wedding band on the left hand, more attention is paid to subtle matters - feelings. That is, this directly shows the attitude of a certain group of people towards marriage and marriage.