It’s Only a Ring…but It Means So Much!

By Andrew Z

“With this ring, I thee wed.” As these words are spoken, a circlet of precious metal is placed on the fourth finger of your left hand.

The most recognizable symbol of a union between man and woman is that very special ring: the wedding band. Have you ever wondered where and when this tradition started? Did you know that in different cultures, the wedding band is worn on different fingers or on the other hand? Or that it’s only in the last four decades that men began to wear wedding bands? How about this: Many years ago, a ring on the woman’s finger told everyone that she was some man’s property!

Actually, history tells us that the wedding ring has a long tradition in various cultures. As far back as 5,000 years, Egyptian hieroglyphics depicted a circle worn on the finger as a symbol of eternal love. The Romans regarded a wedding ring as a representation of the legal and binding union between man and woman. This meant that the woman was no longer a “free” person. Christian wedding ceremonies began to include the wedding band as an important nuptial element around the year 870. Today, modern couples wear and enjoy the rings as a symbol of their sacred commitment.

Which Hand, Which Finger?

While most societies reserve the fourth finger on the left hand for a wedding ring, there are other traditions, depending on the culture. For example, many Europeans wear their rings on the right hand. Some Scandinavian women wear three wedding rings: one each for engagement, marriage, and motherhood. Jewish brides may wear their ring on the index finger because that is the finger used to point to the Torah, the scroll that includes the first five books of the Bible, while reading it.

Why the Fourth Finger?

The Romans and Egyptians both believed that a vein they named vena amoris (vein of love) ran directly from that finger straight to the heart. So, on what better finger can you place a wedding ring in order to capture someone’s heart?

Men’s Wedding Bands

Only since World War II have men worn wedding bands as a reminder of their loved ones and as a symbol of their commitment. At first, a plain gold band was sufficient and acceptable for a man to wear. Today, men can choose from many different metals, and also include diamonds.

The Smallest Wedding Band

This story of the smallest wedding ring that I’ve ever heard of makes one stop and think about how society has changed over the years. This tiny ring was for bride-to-be Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry XIII. Her wedding date was to be October 5, 1918. She was only two years old, and her new spouse was less than a year old! One can only imagine her ring size!

With This Ring, I Thee Wed. Wedding bands—a 5,000-year tradition still going strong.