The Wedding Ring with it’s beginnings in ancient Egyptian and Roman times has long held its place as a symbol of undying love. In ancient Egypt it was believed that a ring was the most powerful symbol of eternity. A ring of gold is pure and without beginning and without ending. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. In a continuous circle, love between two people flows like the ring.
The wedding ring has become a sign to all who see it that the wearer has pledged his or her love and unfaltering devotion to someone and are loved in return. It is also a symbol for the wearer. When a man or a woman looks at their hand and sees a wedding band they realize that they are not alone. They realize that someone loves them and has committed themselves to be with that them in this life and in the next. In the ring they also see their own promise, the promise to be truthful, faithful, kind, caring, understanding, and above all loving.
The wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This custom comes from the ancient belief that a special vein, “vena amoris” or “the vein of love” ran directly from that finger to the heart. It is also an attempt to keep the ring, the love, and the marriage safe for the left hand and so the ring on it and what it stands for is less susceptible to damage than the right hand.
Throughout the many years of marriage the ring will lose its luster. It will become scratched, sometimes bent, other times too small or too large but it remains a ring and eternal. Life too has its unexpected scratches, dents, and hard times, but like the ring, the love and devotion it stands for will last eternally.
Written in honor of my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary.