The Long Path Taken By Wedding Bands - From Past To Present

By Author: Jersey Stanford
Total Articles: 5
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Wedding bands have been in use since time immemorial and there is enough evidence of this fact from paintings and sculptures in the ancient times although the precise origin of the practice is unclear. What is apparent though is that the ancients relate to these rings with many mystical connotations because it is used continually. This might be the reason why the wedding band was chosen to symbolize marriage.
It is assumed that the ancient Egyptians made the use of rings known to symbolize marriage, and the practice was then embraced by the Greeks and then passed on to the Romans. As we have known today, the foundation of the Western civilization is the Roman civilization.
Over the years, the material used to make the wedding bands as well the finger it was worn has changed. The ancient Romans were believed to wear wedding rings made of iron or bronze. This practice changed over the course of time and wearing gold rings became very famous in medieval times and its purpose was also altered. Even the finger where the wedding band was previously worn has changed. It was used to be worn on the third finger of the ...
... left hand because this finger was believed to have a nerve running right to the heart and this hand is closer to the heart. The use of these wedding bands gain great religious significance when Pope Innocent the Third ruled that all marriages had to be done in a church and the ceremony would only be accepted if it included a wedding ring.
Today, the wedding bands no longer have any magical connotation, and have lost much of its religious importance. Yet, it is still used because of cultural reasons and belief. Others use wedding bands to mainly signify that they are no longer available for other partners and indicate the commitment to the marriage.

Jersey Stanford is a wedding planner who earns a living by helping couples prepare the most special day of their lives. She also loves giving advice about diamond engagement rings since it is one of the most visible symbols of a couple's union in marriage. She writes articles to share what she knows about wedding rings and wedding bands.