Wedding Rings Around the World

Rings have been one of the most symbolic items that ever existed. People wear it for different reasons for each ring has significance to the one wearing it. One of the most beloved kinds of rings of all time is wedding rings. This, of course, symbolizes a couple’s undying love for each other and something that will remind them all the time of the vows they have exchanged on their wedding day, a little piece of metal that holds a bright light invisible to the eyes.

Rings all over the world worn in different ways, different times, and some even have distinct design and color. These are all with the influence of their culture. While majority of Earth’s population would wear his wedding ring on the left hand, our fellows from countries like Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Colombia, Norway, Poland, Peru, Spain, and Venezuela wear their wedding rings on the right hand traditionally. Several cultures and religious beliefs like Orthodox Christians and Eastern Europeans believe in wearing the ring on their right hand. Another interesting fact is that Jewish women would wear their rings on the right hand but then puts it to her left after the ceremony. Catholic people in Netherlands are wearing their ring on the left but for the Catholic people in Austria, it’s on the right. In parts of India, a toe-rings “Bichiya” are worn instead of wedding rings on a finger and increasingly worn along with finger wedding bands, while women from the eastern part wear “loha” or an Iron Bangle. One of the newer customs now is either partner wearing the other’s wedding rings on a chain around the neck.

Let’s talk about the style of the ring. In France, wedding rings often consisted of three interwoven rings representing the virtues of faith, hope, and love. While in Russia, the three interlocking bands are colored differently- gold, white, and rose. Puzzle rings are what is worn in Greece and Turkey. These are sets of interlocking metal bands arranged in particular order to form a single ring to ensure the fidelity of the partner. Celtic wedding rings are often designed with a Celtic knot as a symbol of oneness and continuity.

Whatever culture or belief you have, however you wear you ring, whatever design you desire will never change the value of a wedding ring. Wherever you are in the world, we all are one to say that rings are a magnificent symbol of an everlasting love and lifetime fidelity, a piece of treasure that enjoined two hearts for an eternal journey.

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