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Wedding Bands
A wedding band is essentially a ring solemnizing the custom of marriage. It consists of a metal ring, which might be fitted with precious stones. A wedding band is usually worn on what is known as the ring-finger. The concept of the wedding band seems to have originated in Egypt. Plant sections were worn, symbolizing love and courtship. This custom has gained popularity across the globe. In early days in Europe, it was a custom to engrave the inside of the ring with the name of the to-be spouse and the date of the wedding. Such rings were passed on from one generation to the other and became a family symbol.
The tradition of wearing a band on the left hand, on the fourth finger from the thumb, has its roots from Greece in the 3rd century B.C. Legend had it that the vein of the fourth finger was connected directly to the heart. This vein was popularly known as the “vein of love” and became a symbol of “eternal love” for couples. Hence, the custom of wearing the ring/band on the left-hand ring finger is the most popular. However, in some faiths the wedding band/ring is worn the right-hand ring finger.
The wedding band can be made out of materials like gold, siver, different metal alloys or platinum. These are available readymade at a jeweler’s or can be made suiting a person’s chioce of design and material. The bands can be fashioned to suit one’s taste. The most popular ones are plain single bands or those that are stone-studded. In early days, only women practiced the custom of wearing “wedding bands”.
However, modern times see men following this custom. Men are known to wear broader bands, as opposed to women, who prefer delicate ones. The wedding band or ring is worn on the day of the marriage, or in some customs prior to marriage, in what is known as the engagement ceremony. In the case of a western marriage ceremony prior to solemnizing, the wedding band/ring is kept on a plate or in a pouch. It is the duty of the best man and the bridesmaid to carry the ring and then later hand over to the bride and the groom at the time of the ceremony. People all over the world have practiced this custom of wearing a wedding band or ring to symbolize their marital status.
By Jason Gluckman
http://www.weddingbands-web.com/
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