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Tracing the History of the Nuptial Orb
Suzanne Macguire
The wedding ring did not form an integral part of Christian weddings until the 9th century. However, the use of rings was known to Hebrews much earlier than ancient Romans, as early as the 2nd century. Archaeologists can easily differentiate between wedding rings and other rings because of the inscriptions that show the Emperor's image.
Wedding bands also formed an important symbol in Egyptian marriage culture. Crafted on heavy metals, these rings often carried precious and semi-precious stones.
Around 1100, Pope Innocent the Third decreed that all wedding ceremonies had to be held in a church and incorporating wedding rings in the wedding ritual would be compulsory. Usually, the woman was the only one to wear rings. However, in Persia, it became a tradition for the groom to give rings to everyone who attended the ceremony. Records suggest that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert gave out 72 rings at their wedding - each engraved with the profile of the queen.
Like the wedding ring, the engagement ring was believed to have been woven using reeds and rushes. However, it was not worn around the finger but was actually a cord that the caveman used to bind the hands and feet of the woman with. Eventually, it was tied around her hands and then to her finger, once he knew she was going to stay.
The modern engagement ring did not come into existence before the 15th century when the Archduke Maximillian of Hamburg presented his bride-to-be, Maria of Hungary, with a diamond engagement ring when she accepted his proposal.
It is assumed that this perhaps started the trend of giving and wearing engagement rings, especially amongst the wealthy class. Today, diamond, gold, platinum as well as handcrafted rings have become the norm. Whatever the metals be, these wedding rings will continue to stand for everlasting love and fidelity.
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Article submitted Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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