Traditions: Rings

The Greek language gave us the word wed. It means to pledge. A wedding is the ultimate pledge which is dictated through your vows in front of those you care about the most. Rings are the most visible symbol of this pledge. I wanted to share some of things I have learned about wedding rings.
The ring represents eternal and everlasting love. Some of the first rings were made of hemp, but they continually were having to be replaced. Hemp was replaced by iron to symbolize permanence, and now we use all kinds of metals.



There are two reasons why wedding rings are placed on the finger in between the middle and pinkie on the left hand. The most widely known myth is that this finger has what is called "The Vein of Love." It was believed that there is a vein that runs directly from the heart straight to the left hand's ring finger. The second reason comes from Christian ceremonies. The ring is placed on to the thumb, index, and middle finger while the pastor says, "In the name of the father, son, and holy spirit." The thumb, index, and middle fingers were taken by the father, son, and holy spirit, and the ring finger was the first available finger for the ring to rest on.

I had never heard of these, but I thought they were really cool. They are called gimmel rings. They are used as the engagement and wedding ring. A gimmel ring has three parts. Together they form an image of clasping hand. The three pieces are separated for the engagement period. The three parts are to be worn by the bride, groom, and witness. The ring comes together on the wedding day and is worn by the bride from then on.

Do you know any other wedding ring traditions, history, or myths?