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History of Engagement Rings, Page Two

copyright Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast of WedFrugal.com

Though the exact start of the engagement ring is in question, it is known that later cultures adopted the ring and/or circle symbolism. The ancient Greeks probably started the tradition as we know it today. Their engagement ring was called a betrothal ring. In many cases it was given before the marriage itself and was considered a token of affection. In some circumstances though, the betrothal ring might have been like the "promise ring" of today. Marriage wasn't always the end-result, and I've seen a few sources that mention it as a token of deep affection rather than a definite engagement ring. Betrothed is a word said to be derived from the word (Anglo-Saxon) "troweth", which means truth. Many sources further interpret this word as pledge or a pledge of truth. I suppose it's all in the interpretation as truth might also be interpreted simply as the word "true". All kinds of things can be associated with the word true, including both true love and true friendship.

Roman rings have been found as well. Things are a bit clearer in this case. The earliest examples of Roman engagement rings might have been rings with a carved key. There are two theories behind this particular style. The romantic version states that this key was a symbol that allowed the bride to "unlock her husband's heart". This is romantic, but doubtful. The second theory is much more likely. A woman received a share of her husband's riches when they married. Most sources say that it was 50%. Supposedly, the key allowed her access to her share of the goods. Not as romantic, but certainly more practical and logical.

A probable fore-runner to the Claddagh ring, the "fede" was a ring with two hands clasped together. The symbolism seems pretty obvious, and it's very likely that this was an engagement or marriage ring of some type. The earliest Roman rings were made of iron. There's a very neat page listed in the "Engagement Ring History Links" section, showing drawn graphics of rings from the Viking Age. One of those rings is a later "fede" ring. Roman examples of the "fede" ring have been found as early as 4 AD. It's also thought that Romans started the tradition of wearing the ring on the third finger of the left hand. This was believed to be the "vena amoris", which translates to "vein of love". This "vein" was thought to lead directly to the heart, and the theory itself is generally attributed to the Egyptians.

Celtic cultures may have used the hair of their loved one for their rings. The hair was "braided" and then worn as a symbol of commitment. Some sources mention hair bracelets rather than rings. The "Gimmel" was created during the Middle Ages and is also called the bond ring. It is comprised of two or three hoops attached to the base of the ring. When put together, it looks like a single ring. Some sources suggest that these were broken apart at the marriage ceremony. Despite this, I can't believe it due to logistics. It leaves me with one simple question. How would it be possible for two (bride & groom) or three (bride, groom & witness) people to have the same ring size?

Next Page

Page One | Page Two | Page Three | Page Four | Engagement Ring History Links

Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

*NOTE 1: Wedding traditions are often speculative. This is why you see a lot of "it is suggested", "may have" and similar statements in my articles on them. While there is usually a basis in fact, the traditions often get embellished. Many wedding traditions are not very old, and are still stated as traditions. I do my best in researching them, and prefer finding the information in antique books. Where this is not possible, I attempt to find at least three sources for the information.

*NOTE 2: Due to the sheer amount of research and time involved, I no longer do interviews based on wedding traditions. I have a full schedule, and wedding traditions are too speculative in nature. This basically means that very few people are experts on wedding traditions, including me. Thank you for your understanding.

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Best Wishes,
Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast

WedFrugal.com
Personal Pages

Owner, WedFrugal.com (February 18, 2001 to present)
The Wedding Frugality Page (now at wedfrugal.com - December 1995 to May 2001)
-former About.com Weddings Guide (October 26, 1997 to April 5, 2001)
-former Wed Net columnist (October 1996 to December 1997)
-Dollar Stretcher contributor (Various Dates)

Copyright, Rachel Sanfordlyn Shreckengast 12/95 to present