The History of the Engagement Ring - The Engagement Tradition

Nowadays it is very difficult to imagine an engagement without a ring with a diamond or any other precious stone. Although wedding ring history dates back to antiquity and was not always as romantic as it is today, the rings acquired their current form only in the 30s. What was their history? What is worth knowing about it?

Ancient wire wedding rings

W Ancient Egypt the original rings that men gave to the women they wanted to marry were made from ordinary wire. Subsequently, somewhat more noble materials began to be used, such as gold, bronze, and even ivory. AT Ancient Rome Oraz Greece rings were considered a symbol of very serious intentions towards the future bride. At the very beginning, they were made of ordinary metal. It is also worth knowing that it was the Greeks who spread the custom of wearing wedding rings on the ring finger of the left hand. This was because ancient beliefs said that the veins of this finger reach the heart. Of course, the privilege of wearing such jewelry was reserved only for very wealthy people. The custom of giving a loved one wedding rings did not spread until the Renaissance. This happened, among other things, because of the famous engagement of Mary of Burgundy, that is, the Duchess of Brabant and Luxembourg, with Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg.

Wedding rings and church traditions

Rings have been worn in the Catholic Church since the beginning. popes exclusively and related church dignitaries. They symbolized the Church. Although we can find references to the engagement in the Old Testament, it was not until the XNUMXth century that the symbol of love between two people and the promise of marriage was an engagement ring that is now popular. The papal decree also extended the duration of the engagement so that future spouses have more time to get to know each other better.

Carcass polishing using a ring

Zrenkovynyof which it was give your future bride a ring, should have led to an early wedding. During the ceremony, the hands of the brides were tied over a loaf of bread, which was a symbol of abundance, fertility and prosperity. Then it was time for blessings from both parents. The whole ceremony ended with a big feast, which was attended by the closest relatives and neighbors.

The result of a broken engagement

In the XNUMXth century, one of the special legal acts was adopted in the United States, allowing brides to sue your future husband. Then the engagement ring with a precious stone was a kind of material guarantee. This law was in effect until the 30s. The appearance of engagement rings changed very often at the turn of the decades. It acquired its current form only in the 30s, and even here there are trends and “fashion” that can be dynamic. The most popular are rings made of white yellow gold with a diamond in the center.