Historians trace the use of the wedding ring back to the
Egyptians. They are seen as the first to
use wedding rings in their wedding ceremonies.
They believed that the circle represented eternity, so the ring was the perfect
symbol for a lasting marriage. The same
historians also credit the Egyptians with seeing the third finger of the left
hand as the ring finger. They believed
that a vein from this finger went directly to the heart so if this finger were
circled with a gold ring, the love was captured and would not escape.
Whether or not they know this, it is the reason most women
never remove their wedding ring.
Another part of this ring tradition is that the third finger
of the left hand is considered to be the "weakest" even though it is
not the smallest. Experts say that
because of its perceived weakness, it is the most dependent on the others for
help in lifting and holding. For many couples over the years, this has
become a symbol of their combined strength as a couple. Alone they can do many things, but together
they can do even more.
Our ancestors also believed that if the wedding ring didn't
fit perfectly, it could be seen as a sign that the couple was incompatible for
married life.
While rings have been important to many generations of
brides, there has never been a law requiring their use. It is a strength of the tradition that
today's couples aren't likely to consider marrying without one.
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