The Symbolism And Construction Of Wedding Rings

A wedding ceremony is a public profession between couples in which they wish to testify of their love and commitment to each other.  Traditionally, these wedding ceremonies follow a set ceremonial outline which can include the entering of the groom and groomsmen, the wedding party processional and the dramatic entrance of the bride.

In addition, within the actual marriage ceremony, are traditional actions that can be followed.  Some of these traditions include the giving away of the bride, the exchange of wedding vows and the placing of wedding rings on the groom’s and bride’s left ring finger.

To appreciate the tradition of the wedding rings it is important to understand the depth of this ceremony.  Therefore, it is helpful to understand the symbolism of the wedding ring, and the materials used to construct wedding bands.

Symbolism Of The Wedding Rings

The exchanging of wedding rings between individuals has been a long standing tradition practiced in many cultures.  It is therefore unclear as to where the tradition originated and its original meaning.

However, the common speculation is that the circular wedding bands symbolize the love between two individuals with the message being their eternal love having no beginning and no end.  In addition, it is thought that the circular rings emulate the spherical orbs and relationships found in the heavens.  Two such heavenly bodies are the sun and moon and the night and daytime relationship between the two.

Also, rings themselves have carried a certain mystique.  One of those mystical qualities is that rings were thought to protect the wearer of the ring when that ring was blessed or an incantation was expressed.   This thinking can be seen in the wedding ceremonies of today when the officiating member of the clergy blesses the rings and then the rings are exchanged.

Construction Of Wedding Rings

When discussing the construction of the wedding rings, generally two particular aspects come to mind. Those aspects are the metals used and the design of the wedding rings.

Very often wedding rings are made from precious metals.  These precious metals can include the use of gold, silver, platinum, titanium, etc.  In addition, wedding rings can be embedded with one or many precious gems.  One popular gem that is used is a  diamond.

Also, wedding rings are often engraved with meaningful symbols, dates or words.  For example, many couples choose to inscribe dates and initials representing the wedding day and the couple’s names.  Often this inscription is accomplished on the inside of wedding bands.

Another popular engraving performed on wedding rings is reflected in the Celtic wedding ring.  These rings are engraved with a symbolic intertwining of tendrils and vines which represents the intertwining of two lives and loves together as one.