History of Wedding Rings - The Unknown Origins

The use of the wedding ring as the best symbol of the bond amongst husband together with wife is undoubtedly known to most of us like the concept of marriage itself, however from where did this particular fascinating custom emerge? The exact history of wedding bands as they are actually recognised at present is essentially unknown. In an document dating from the July 1869 issue of Appleton’s Journal of popular Literature, Science, and Art, Edward J. Wood hypothesizes that the modern (modern as of 1869) use of wedding rings originates from the practices connected with ancient Hebrews. It was traditional for the family members of a prospective groom to give gifts to the actual potential bride and also her family.

The general presumption is that it is definitely from this traditions that the particular use of wedding rings as most of us know them seems to have developed over time.

Wedding bands are not particularly mentioned within the Bible, but evidences do exist that imply the previously mentioned Hebrew practices. Genesis 24:53 in the King James Version reads, "And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things," speaking of the servant of Abraham, the father of Isaac, who was to wed Rebekah. The wedding ring first came into use in Christian wedding ceremonies around 870 A.D.

This custom involving putting on a wedding ring on the 4th finger of the left hand also comes from the ancients. In ancient Greece it was initially believed that an artery from that particular finger led directly to the heart. Whilst most people at this point realize this is 100 % pure mythology, it does serve as a rather romantic explanation pertaining to the tradition.

Even though the notion of the wedding ring is undoubtedly very ancient, the ring seemed to be nearly always donned by the bride. Double-ring wedding ceremonies are rather new. Wedding rings for men were very nearly unheard of before 1940 and increased in use about the time of the Second World War. According to an October 1953 story in Hobbies, only about 15% of wedding ceremonies included a ring for the groom. After the commence of World War II, the percentage hopped to 60%, and subsequently to 70% after the start of the Korean war. Nowadays it is more prevalent than not for grooms and brides alike to put on a wedding band.

So, why a wedding ring, as opposed to, say, a wedding bracelet or pendant? Religious ceremonies typically a mention by the officiating clergyman of the ring’s neverending circle being representative of both God’s perfect love for human race and the marrying couple’s undivided faithfulness to one another.

Although the exact origin of the wedding ring is not clear and lost to history, nowadays many acknowledge the wedding band as a symbol of the unity of marriage. The couples of today also basically choose their own wedding rings together, hence adding to the personalized symbolism that the jewelry carries for them. Additionally, the wedding ring serves as a social symbol in today’s world, signifying to most people that this man or woman is "spoken for."