Wedding is one of the most beautiful and solemn church sacraments - two souls unite into one and form a family. For a church-going Christian, a wedding is an obligatory and only indicator of the marriage bond before the Lord, but for a person far from the Church, this process is not obligatory and is often performed according to tradition. This raises many questions related to the attributes of a wedding, in particular, a young couple does not know what wedding rings should be and how to prepare them correctly.
What do wedding rings mean?
Even if the couple has already officially registered their relationship in the registry office, the husband and wife are already wearing wedding accessories, they are not suitable for a church ceremony. In the temple, other rings are needed for weddings.
The Christian meaning of exchanging wedding jewelry is much deeper than just an outward sign of marital status. To get married in a church is to become a Small Church. The priest reads a prayer to the Almighty asking for God's mercy for the new family, permission to become part of God himself.
Married spouses must remain faithful and support each other and live their whole lives in unanimity, sacrifice, giving birth and raising children, humbly sharing all the hardships and joys for the sake of spiritual ascent to Heaven.
The husband becomes a type of Christ himself, and the wife symbolizes the church. This sacrament binds spouses for centuries, so new rings are definitely needed for the wedding. They mean eternity and indissolubility of the union. While the priest conducts the wedding ceremony, they lie on the right side of the throne. At this time their consecration occurs. The rings acquire power that will protect the union.
The priest then places the jewelry on the husband and wife, and the couple must exchange them three times. Sharing means promising to take responsibility for each other. The wife swears love, fidelity and devotion, and the husband is obliged to provide her with protection and safety.
In case of divorce
Church customs say that a wedding is something eternal and indestructible. After all, having made an oath to your beloved before the Lord and confirming your words with a ring, you have performed a sacred rite. But unfortunately, modern couples often get divorced, even despite the Sacrament. The church itself also allows people to get married a second, and maybe even a third time. Everything will depend on the people and how the priest looks at it.
During a divorce, the wedding attribute is removed, and it is never recommended to wear it again, even as a simple decoration. Such a product is considered a symbol of an already broken promise before God.
It’s a bad idea to wear it to another wedding or a wedding ceremony with another chosen one. It definitely won’t bring you happiness.
What jewelry is chosen for the ceremony?
Despite the fact that the couple has already purchased the necessary accessories for painting at the registry office, using the same ones for an Orthodox betrothal is not allowed. We need other rings for the wedding. Products for the union, sealed before the state, are chosen to your taste. They can demonstrate their material condition and extravagant taste.
The wedding ring should be modest, smooth, simple in shape, without multi-colored stones or flashy decoration. Engraving on the inside or outside is acceptable.
Traditionally
According to the established procedure, wedding rings must be made of worthy metals - gold or silver. According to custom, one is gold and the other is silver. There are 2 points of view. According to one theory, gold, symbolizing the radiance of the sun, is used for men's wear. Silver, reminiscent of the shine of the moon, which reflects sunlight, is a smaller luminary in size and importance. Women's jewelry was made from this metal. The role of the wife in a Christian marriage required her to be submissive and obedient to her husband, the head of the family.
In the theory, where the family union is considered as the Little Church, the husband personifies Christ, and the wife represents the betrothed Church. Gold focuses on the divine essence of Jesus, and silver symbolizes the religious light and purity of the Church. As a result of the triple exchange, the gold male jewelry remains with the wife, and the silver jewelry remains with the husband. This is how the spouses cement their union and take full responsibility for each other, and the rings carry the meaning of connecting the masculine and feminine principles.
Permissible deviations
Modern requirements are less strict in observing the rules - accessories can be made of the same metal. They can be decorated with small, modest stones. It is also permissible to use wedding engagement rings for a wedding in agreement with the clergyman who will bless the couple. If he deems them suitable for the ceremony, they must be placed on the throne before the ceremony in order to consecrate and observe the custom. Such accessories become both engagement and wedding accessories at the same time, symbolizing a union on a secular and religious level.
Metal
The material used may be different, but it should not be jewelry. Most often, wedding rings are purchased from gold. Accessories made of this metal do not require maintenance, do not deform and look modest but dignified.
Silver is an inexpensive but beautiful metal. The disadvantage is that silver items require more careful care, as it tends to darken over time. The problem can be solved by regularly cleaning your jewelry.
Many people prefer silver jewelry because of its appearance. If you want to avoid the yellow color characteristic of gold, you can choose rings from its white variety. They are more durable, but look similar to silver and look elegant and discreet.
Decor
The classic version is smooth products made from a single strip of metal. Width may vary. Such rings will be unconditionally approved by the priest for the wedding ceremony. Modest attributes indicate a deliberate decision by the spouses to bless the union. They are aware that the main thing in such a ritual is not the form, but the content.
If the couple insists on individuality, a small discreet stone, perhaps a diamond, can serve as decoration. The surface of the product can be decorated with an inconspicuous pattern or diamond chips.
If the clergyman considers the wedding attributes too pretentious, the procedure itself may be postponed or postponed to another date. Therefore, a sense of proportion should be observed - even exclusive models should not be too flashy.
Engraving
Inscriptions in any font are allowed on both the outside and inside of the ring. Initially, they contained words of prayer or an appeal to the saint with a request to preserve and protect the marriage. Nowadays people can engrave each other's names or wedding date.
Rings
If all the standard options seem trivial, and for the wedding you need other rings, more interesting and exclusive, but not contrary to the requirements, you can pay attention to the rings. Such models were used back in Ancient Byzantium, so there are no contradictions here. The product is engraved with church content. These jewelry are made from precious metals, often combining gold and silver.
Recommendations: what should the ideal rings be like?
- It is better to buy wedding rings together. This way you will follow the tradition and accurately select jewelry to suit your taste and size;
- Remember that in the evening your fingers swell, so it’s better to do this in the morning;
- It is recommended to choose jewelry that matches church traditions. You can show extravagant taste in another situation, and not at the sacrament of a wedding;
- The rings must be the exact size and match most of your wardrobe, because they cannot be removed;
- If you choose prayers and other religious symbols as decor, then it is wise to purchase jewelry in a church shop , but if you plan to have a smooth model or the names of the newlyweds, then you can choose any jewelry store or have it engraved to order;
- And the most important thing is that both of you should like the wedding rings, because they are a symbol of your love!
What are the signs regarding wedding rings?
To believe in omens or not is everyone’s business. The Church does not approve of other beliefs, but among the people a certain set of rules based on observations is passed on from mouth to mouth.
For a long, happy family life, you need to choose and buy rings together with your chosen one.
On the day of the ceremony, so that misfortune or betrayal does not occur in the family, you should not put any other jewelry on your hands - they should be free for wedding rings.
The smooth, even surface of the products promises the same family life - without roughness, bends or potholes.
The symbol of the union should not be given to anyone to try on - this is fraught with troubles and misfortunes in marriage.
These attributes are not usually given or passed on by inheritance. You should not save money and put a product made of melted metal on your spouse’s finger - this thing must be completely new. Then married life will not be a repetition of someone else’s, sometimes unhappy, fate. The husband and wife will live their own life. Wearing other people's jewelry, which stores the energy of the previous owners, can cause misfortunes and family conflicts.
A symbol falling to the floor during a wedding does not bode well - there is a high probability of divorce or even the sudden death of one of the spouses.
Signs
The wedding ceremony is a mysterious, ancient, mystical rite. Of course, he simply cannot help but be surrounded by a wide variety of beliefs:
- Neither the groom nor the bride should put other jewelry on their hands on their wedding day , even rings, if they do not want to lose each other due to illness or betrayal;
- For a smooth family life, rings should be smooth , without stones, unnecessary decor and roughness;
- It is forbidden to allow anyone, even those closest to you, to try on your wedding ring - doing this will lead to disaster, because in this way you allow them to try on your happiness;
- The groom should buy rings , certainly in the same store and both at once - this way the family will be stronger;
- Returning home with a purchase, it is worth saying at the door: “For a good life, for a faithful family. Amen";
- In no case should you use rings made from broken and melted down jewelry of parents , and also put on a wedding ring that previously belonged to a widowed person, so as not to repeat his unhappy fate;
- But if the jewelry was inherited from relatives who celebrated a golden wedding, the rings, on the contrary, will bring prosperity, love and a long, happy life;
- The worst omen is the ring falling before or during the ceremony. If this happens, the threat of divorce, illness or even death hangs over the newly created family, and in order to avert it, you need to say to yourself three times: “The ring is on me, the trouble is not for me”;
- If your outfit includes gloves, then before putting on the jewelry, they must be removed so that the metal touches the skin;
- There is also a good omen: if you wash your face with rainwater with your hand in the wedding ring, then prosperity and well-being will definitely await your new family.
How seriously you take these beliefs is up to you. The Orthodox Church does not favor superstition too much, but everyone has friends and relatives who will convincingly prove the correctness of one or another sign.
What jewelry is not suitable for the ceremony?
In any case, rings are needed for a wedding in church after the wedding. If existing products meet all the necessary parameters, the church does not deny the possibility of their use. Decorations will have to be blessed according to Orthodox canons.
The following attributes are definitely not suitable as wedding attributes:
- elaborate, with lots of decor;
- bijouterie;
- with inscriptions that the priest will not approve of;
- with large stones;
- extravagant shapes, for example, in the form of snakes, lizards, hearts.
Some tips for choosing
- Buy rings . This way, you can both follow the tradition and find the ideal size, shape and appearance.
- It is worth knowing that in the evening, fingers may swell, so it is better to start searching in the morning .
- Choose those that fit the church requirements if you want the ceremony to take place.
- Think carefully about what product you are ready to wear for the rest of your life; you should be comfortable and comfortable . In addition, it is good if it is in harmony with your other things. Because you need to wear wedding jewelry all the time without taking it off.
- If your eye falls on an engraving in the form of a prayer, then it is ideal to purchase this option in a cathedral or chapel. Other inscriptions can often be made in the same store where you buy or in any other jewelry department.
- The selected models should suit both spouses , because they are a symbol of the love of two people.
How to wear a wedding ring correctly
On the right hand, with which the sign of the cross is made, a ring is also worn after the wedding. The right side symbolizes goodness and faith. The priest puts the symbol of the married union on the ring finger, the blood from which reaches the heart faster than the rest and fills it with God's blessing. You cannot change your finger to wear the ring.
If married spouses want to wear both rings on their ring finger at the same time - both after the wedding and after the wedding - the wedding ring should be on the bottom. The wedding dress is put on top, but it should be smaller to prevent accidental slipping.
Wedding rings do not need to be worn all the time; wedding rings are removed extremely rarely and only when necessary.
Can wedding rings be used for weddings?
Nowadays, wedding rings that were originally worn during the wedding in the registry office are used for weddings. Those who respect church customs choose other wedding decorations .
Today people choose different gold wedding rings and rings. There are different approaches to decorating jewelry :
- engravings applied to the external or internal surface;
- identical or completely different design ;
- a combination of several precious metals (yellow, white or red gold, silver, platinum);
- presence or absence of patterns ;
- different thickness ;
- various designs (flat, convex).
Wedding rings should have a simple design. Pretentious decor is not permissible.
It is advisable to make jewelry without ornate patterns, inscriptions, or precious stones
Clergymen have the right to refuse a wedding if a couple in love chooses jewelry that is inappropriate according to church canons . Such a refusal will be reasoned. Despite certain concessions, it is advisable to take into account church canons that have existed from time immemorial.
Gold ring with diamonds, SL (price on the link)
What to do with ritual decoration after divorce
Unlike the divorces of secular marriages, a church union is extremely difficult to dissolve. It was believed that people who have undergone the sacrament of marriage are spouses before God for life.
Much depends on the priest, whether he considers it possible to dissolve the marriage or make concessions and bless one of the spouses to marry another person. And at the same time, do not annul the previous wedding and leave it on the conscience of the remarried person.
The jewelry that was used at the first wedding cannot be worn after the destruction of the union. The ring contains unfulfilled vows given to a person with whom they parted ways. Wearing such a thing will not bring happiness, so you should keep it as a reminder of a part of your life.
What to choose: gold or silver?
The classic version involves a gold ring from the groom, which remains on the wife at the end of the ceremony, and a silver ring from the bride, which remains on the husband.
If you want uniformity, or simply don't like one of these metals, then you can choose two identical rings.
If you don’t like the yellow color itself, then as a compromise we advise you to take a closer look at white gold - aristocratic, elegant and durable.
Nevertheless, silver wedding rings remain in fashion, strict, discreet and at the same time romantic. Another option is blackened silver, which is also allowed by the church, but it looks extremely unusual and stylish.
What to do if you lose your wedding ring
You should not perceive the loss as a tragedy and expect unhappiness in your marriage. Religion and beliefs are incompatible, so you just need to buy a new ring and throw away gloomy thoughts. The new decoration will fulfill its role as a symbol of fidelity. You can bless wedding rings without a wedding - just go to the priest and tell him what happened. In the future, you should be more careful and attentive, but you should not suffer and wait for trouble after the loss.
A wedding, both secular and church, is an important event in people’s lives. The newlyweds strive to observe all the traditions accepted in society and Orthodoxy in order to secure the future of their marriage. Therefore, married people at the registry office should not neglect existing traditions and purchase the right rings for their wedding.
If you lost
If suddenly you, through negligence, managed to lose your accessory, then you urgently need to purchase a replacement for it, namely, buy a new one. Then you should bring it to the cathedral, explain the current situation to the clergyman and ask to consecrate it. After all, according to tradition, it is necessary to put the product on the throne again.
Remember that losing your wedding decoration is not a good sign, so be extremely careful with it.
Sources
- https://VseoSvadibe.ru/kolca-dlya-venchaniya.html
- https://wedus.online/tradisii/venchanie/aksessuari/koltsa.html
- https://market.russam.ru/articles/moda_i_stil/p23560-kakie_koljtsa_nuzhny_dlja_venchanija_v_tserkvi/
- https://pravoslavy.ru/liturgiya/koltsa-dlya-venchaniya
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Church traditions: consecration of jewelry, materials and cost of rings
The tradition of exchanging rings at a wedding developed in Christianity in the 15th century. This order has been preserved to this day: first, the betrothal ceremony is performed, when the priest puts the rings on the newlyweds and swaps the jewelry three times, then the sacrament itself. The rings are blessed right before the ceremony; there is no need to do this in advance.
Previously, it was customary to buy a silver ring for the groom and a gold ring for the bride: women’s jewelry, as a rule, was more expensive. Today this Orthodox tradition is rarely observed - rings can be made of the same metal and have the same price. It is also allowed to use jewelry purchased for registration at the registry office - it is not necessary to buy a special kit.
Suitable options
Choosing metal
If we talk about the material, these days most couples do not follow all the rules of the church and mostly choose both rings in gold. This can be explained by the fact that such accessories always look fashionable, aesthetically pleasing, they are strong, durable and easy to maintain, unlike silver metal.
Silver, in turn, is cheaper, and therefore of worse quality. Products made from it need to be cleaned often, and their main disadvantage is that over time almost everything turns black.
Simple and unadorned
Chaste classic models are a wide or narrow flat bezel. The first case is preferable for masculine or chubby fingers. And the second one will look elegant on the thin fingers of the newlywed.
Modest classics will not only demonstrate your elegance and restraint, but will also show that you took a responsible approach to choosing rings for the Sacrament.
Decorated
If you really want an accessory with pebbles, then you can choose one with a small diamond or precious stone. An option is available with tiny, barely noticeable diamond chips along the rim.
You need to check with the priest about your chosen products when you meet. You can bring them with you or at least show a photo if you haven’t purchased the models yet.
With inscriptions
In ancient times, only prayers acted in this capacity: their names or lines from them, as well as an appeal to one of the saints. Nowadays, engravings in the form of a wedding date, the names of spouses or a love vow are relevant.
The inscription is made both inside and outside. In the first case, closed from prying eyes, it is suitable for people who want to hide personal happiness from everyone. The second option is for more open couples who want to tell everyone about their love.
The same
Paired and absolutely identical models are a solution for romantic natures. They certainly talk about mutual love, joint decisions and similar views, which is very important for any family.
The design and precious metal can be any - gold, silver, with identical stones, inscriptions, and so on. The main thing is that the rings fit into the canons of the Orthodox Church.
Rings
If you are not attracted to standard options or want something interesting, then choosing a wedding ring is a great idea. The peculiarity is that it must have an image of a cross and church engraving.
Often the jewelry in question is made from both gold and silver. Then it is appropriate for a girl to choose silver with gold inserts, and for a man, on the contrary, gold with silver additions.
