On which hand is the wedding ring worn? Church wedding rings, photo

02.08.2019

You should immediately think about such an important accessory as rings. In the Orthodox faith, they are considered a symbol of the inextricable bond between two loving hearts.

Differences of rings for wedding and wedding

Speaking of wedding rings, don't confuse them with wedding accessories. If the last newlyweds are put on when registering a marriage at the registry office, then the wedding ring is put on during a church ritual. They perform different functions, and therefore should be different from each other. And if, for example, in the registry office you can be allowed to marry without an exchange of jewelry, then church officials will definitely not allow this.

Orthodox customs

According to the charter, in the Orthodox Church, the groom wears a wedding ring made of gold, but special silver jewelry is sold for brides. As the apostle Paul said, the wedding ceremony should be similar to the sacrament of the relationship between Christ and the Church. A man is the personification of Christ, which means he must put on gold - it is it that symbolizes his Divine Glory. But a woman is considered the image of the Church, and she, like silver, should radiate purity, light and grace.

There are also other interpretations of precious materials. For example, it is believed that silver is the personification of femininity, like the moon. But gold, like the sun, symbolizes leadership and masculinity.

During the wedding ceremony, a man and a woman exchange rings three times, and as a result, as a guarantee of their love and fidelity, the silver wedding ring remains with the groom, and the gold one with the bride. A man accepts this accessory from a woman as a sign of her love, devotion, fidelity and readiness to accept help. And a man puts a ring on his wife as a symbol of the fact that he is always ready to sacrifice everything for her and help throughout their life together.

The wedding ring is usually worn on the ring finger of the right hand. Since ancient times, it was believed that it was through this finger that an artery passes, directed straight to the heart. And they wear it on the right hand, because it is customary for Orthodox Christians to be baptized with it.

Which ring is better to choose?

If you are going to not only sign at the registry office, but also go through a church ceremony, you definitely need wedding rings. What should these decorations be?

For a wedding, it is recommended to choose modest rings. So, if for an engagement or registration in the registry office there is no limit to fantasy in choosing jewelry, then there should be no carvings and stones on wedding attributes. Otherwise, the church may even refuse to consecrate your marriage, considering the selected accessories as jewelry.

At all times, it is popular to engrave on rings - cut out some phrases, words, initials or dates. Previously, they mainly used words from prayers, but now they are most often decorated with the names of the newlyweds.

In addition to ordinary rings, there is also such a thing as wedding rings. In shape, they resemble a cross, along the contour of which the inscription "Lord, crown us with your protection" is engraved. Such rings were made back in the days of Ancient Byzantium, and they have survived to this day. On such a ring there are several more inscriptions:

On the side - "Consent from God."
On the inside - "Health" and "Grace", accompanying the newlyweds throughout their lives.

Another difference between a ring and an ordinary ring is that it combines two precious materials at once. For the bride, a silver ring with a gold insert in the middle is made, for the groom - vice versa.

Basic signs: what you need to know when choosing wedding rings

It is worth buying jewelry for the bride and groom at once in the same store and you should definitely do it together.

To spend your whole life next to each other, choose the same models of rings. And in order for life to be smooth and without problems, accessories must have a smooth surface, without patterns and stones.

Choose only precious metals. No jewelry - the church does not consider it a symbol of love and marriage, worthy of consecration.

Wedding rings: what jewelry should the newlyweds have

Now the prices for silver wedding rings are different. The most modest jewelry without engraving is available to everyone. In addition, silver is cheaper than gold, so wedding rings will cost less than jewelry for registering a marriage at the registry office.

Recently, the church has not set strict restrictions on the choice of wedding rings. Often identical jewelry made of gold or silver is allowed. It is also permissible to use the same rings as when registering a marriage in the registry office. In stores you can find accessories of any thickness, with stone inserts or ornaments.

However, if a wedding is a really important event in your life for you, it is better to adhere to the traditional church rules. And then your life together will be long and happy, because you will be under the auspices of the Church and Christ.

A church wedding is a sacrament thanks to which the newlyweds receive a blessing for a long and happy family life and well-being in relationships. Many couples consider this a convention or an obsolete tradition, but there are those for whom this is important.

According to the charter of the church, it is believed that a married couple enters into a marriage in heaven and from now on it will be bound not only by a stamp in the passport, but by something more. The choice of wedding rings is the first thing the newlyweds should do when preparing for the sacrament.

Orthodox customs

A wedding is a procedure that carries a sacred meaning. It should be understood that the ring, which is the main attribute of the sacrament, does not belong to the category of ordinary wedding rings that the bride and groom exchange in the registry office.

The wedding ring is a symbol of love, fidelity, readiness for self-sacrifice. It is not recommended to take this item as an ornament and buy luxurious and rich items. According to church laws, the wedding ring should be as simple as possible.

Traditions are an integral part of church culture. According to custom, the newlyweds must purchase rings made of different metals, gold for the groom, and silver for the bride. The interpretation of this tradition says that gold is the Sun, which illuminates family life and indicates the right path, and silver is the Moon, which is the satellite of the Sun and its reflection.

There is another interpretation that says that gold is a symbol of courage, strength and leadership. Silver is the personification of beauty, softness, femininity.

You need to wear a wedding ring only on the right hand, on the ring finger. It has long been believed that the middle finger is responsible for the feelings of the heart. According to Orthodox canons, one should be baptized with the right hand, therefore, the ring should be worn on it. Having put on a ring, it is no longer necessary to remove it, such a product is worn all the time.

Models

There are not so many types of wedding rings. Basically, these are simple laconic products without frills, because the church does not welcome a great love for material values.

Wide

Wide models are one of the most classic options. These rings are perfect for girls with plump fingers. The product usually has the form of a wide flat rim, it is convenient to put on and wear every day. Many wedding rings of this type are additionally decorated with small diamonds, in our time there are no such strict rules as before. However, it must be remembered that the priest may refuse to perform the ceremony if the ring is elaborate or with large stones.

Narrow

A thin narrow ring is a great alternative to wide rims. Best of all, such models are suitable for girls with long fingers. Time and traditions do not stand still, so a women's ring is allowed not only in silver. Beautiful products made of white, pink and yellow gold, trimmed with tiny diamonds or diamond chips, will appeal to all girls.

Engraved

Products with internal engraving are quite suitable if the inscription contains oaths of love and fidelity, the names of the newlyweds, excerpts from sacred texts. Prayer rings are very popular in this case. Once in the jewelry store, you can choose a ready-made ring with an inscription from a wide range. However, if you want the words to be unique, intended only for you, then any master can make a beautiful engraving.

couple rings

Such rings are a real symbol of the complete unity of the spouses. Like the wedding rings of this model, wedding products are exact copies of each other, the difference is only in size. Sometimes paired decorations are not exactly the same, only decor elements, material or shape are the same.

The popularity of double rings is explained by the fact that many perceive them as a reflection of harmony in marriage - spouses complement each other, help in personal development and growth, and provide support in difficult times.

wedding ring

Unlike standard wedding rings, the ring has its roots in ancient Byzantium. Usually it is a large, massive accessory that looks like a cross. Along the contour of the product, on the sides and on the inside, inscriptions or prayers are engraved that will help the newlyweds in family life. Jewelers combine two metals at once in such rings. The female version implies a silver item with a gold insert.

materials

Gold is one of the metals popular in the manufacture of not only ordinary and engagement models, but also wedding rings. Today, many depart from the Orthodox canons, not wanting to wear a simple silver ring every day. As a material, gold has several significant advantages. It is more durable, very durable and unpretentious in care. In addition, if you decorate the ring with stones, they look more interesting on a gold background than on a silver one.

Among the range of gold rings, special attention should be paid to models made of white gold. Such wedding rings look gentle and noble at the same time, they can be additionally trimmed with small stones. It is best if it is diamonds or diamond chips, but small rubies, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts are also allowed.

Models made of yellow or pinkish gold are also suitable as everyday jewelry. The yellow color is more classic, so if the soul lies more in this type, you can pick up something interesting.

Among the many models of silver rings, blackened jewelry has gained immense popularity. Products made from this material resemble beautiful antique jewelry, and blackened rings will be an excellent choice when buying wedding paraphernalia. It is on silver rings that most often there are ready-made engravings and inscriptions. Zirconia stones, small diamonds, rubies are suitable as an additional decor. You can pick up a silver ring with gold inserts.

Compared to gold, silver is a fairly democratic metal. Products from it will cost much less than gold jewelry with diamonds. The only drawback is that silver jewelry is not very durable. They must be protected from excessive moisture, salt water and direct sunlight. Over time, such jewelry darkens, so it is worth remembering that silver needs regular care - polishing and cleaning.

As for jewelry, then, according to church laws, such models are prohibited. You should not buy even the most beautiful rings if they are not made of metal. Be sure to remember that beauty does not always depend on the amount of decor. After all, the simplicity and severity of the wedding ring is its strength. Orthodox priests believe that it is simple rings that testify to the most sincere and brightest feelings.

In this article you will find background information about wedding rings and related traditions and signs. Also, this article contains signs related in general to the mysteries of the Wedding.

The separation of wedding and betrothal ceremonies (now: marriage in the registry office) has an ancient history. Until the 10th century, betrothal among Christians had a purely civil function - and it was much more important to witness your marriage in the church in the face of God. Later, around the 11th century, the unification of the wedding and betrothal ceremonies began to take place, and the second gradually completely merged into the first, by the 18th century both rites were finally held only in the church.

However, the decades during which the church had little influence on people's lives in our country, and during which atheism was promoted, took their toll - most of the newlyweds began to limit themselves to the betrothal ceremony performed at the registry office without attending church.

In modern Russia, couples are starting to get married again in the church. The reasons for the newlyweds are different: fashion trends, sincere faith, superstition, which should ensure a long and happy family life, or the wish of believing parents.

According to the preserved tradition, the husband and wife should have different wedding rings, the husband should have gold, and the wife should have silver. Many now neglect this and buy the same rings, but according to the church charter, they should be different. The first mention of such an order is attributed to the words of the Apostle Paul, who said that a marriage consecrated by the church is similar to the sacrament of the relationship between Christ and the Church. In marriage, a man personifies Christ, and a woman is the Church, this is the reason for the choice of materials for the rings - gold symbolizes the Divine Glory of Christ and Heavenly Jerusalem, and silver is a symbol of spiritual light, purity and grace.

The wedding ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand, this tradition arose from the misconception that the artery going straight to the heart passes through this finger.

There are informal rules according to which young people should choose wedding rings. The church welcomes rings of a modest appearance, without frills, stones and any decorations, church ministers can consider all other rings as simple jewelry and even refuse to illuminate them.

Previously, the corresponding prayers were usually carved on the inside of the wedding ring, but now it usually contains the name of the spouse and the date of the wedding.

Signs associated with wedding rings:

Let me try on the wedding ring - to an unfortunate fate
On the day of the wedding, you can not wear rings on your hand, except for the wedding
The wedding ring should consist of one metal and at the same time not have any engraved pattern.
Don't put your wedding ring on your gloved hand; first you need to remove the glove, and then put on the ring
In no case should newlyweds use wedding rings sawn or melted down from the rings of their parents.
You can't get married with a widow's ring
A widowed woman (or man) retains her wedding ring, but wears it no longer on her right, but on her left hand
If a widow marries a second time, then she will have to wear a new wedding ring again on her right hand, and the ring from her first marriage will need to be removed and put down, but in no case should she inherit it from her children. It can lead to a repetition of the unhappy life path of the parents.
If the family gets divorced, then the wedding rings are removed and not worn even as a regular decoration. Such rings are no longer involved in the wedding ritual.
The fall of the ring during the wedding portends an imminent divorce in this family. The loss of a wedding ring, both during a wedding and at any other time, portends serious problems with your health, indicates the impending danger of divorce.
In the Slavic tradition, it is customary for the groom to buy both rings (both for himself and for the bride)
It is advisable to buy rings on the same day, in the same place, which is a good prediction of long-term cohabitation.
If you bought wedding rings without entering the house, say the following words: "To a good life, to a faithful family. Amen."

Signs for the wedding:

Before the young people go to the crown, it is necessary to put a lock under the threshold, and when they cross the threshold, close the lock with a key, throw the key away, and keep the lock - the young will live well
If the bride and groom before the wedding take an oath of future fidelity to each other over the well, their marriage will be indestructible, and their love will be eternal.
To the crown, the bride must go one way, from the crown - the other
During the wedding, the crowns must be worn on the head of the wedding party, despite the fact that they are heavy. If the crown for relief is not put on the head, then such a marriage among the people was considered invalid, illegal and was a bad omen.
Which of the spouses at the wedding will put on the other a ring to the very base of the finger, he will rule in the house
A ring that falls during betrothal means the breakup of a family or the death of one of the spouses.
If during the wedding the candles of the young people crackle strongly, their life will be very restless.
Whose candle burns more during the wedding ceremony, that of the young will live a short life
Young people should not give anyone the towel on which they stood during the wedding in the temple. This towel symbolizes the life path of the newlyweds, so you need to keep it at home all your life
Young people must make a ritual gift to the temple for the sacrament of the wedding. Traditionally, such a gift was a linen towel, in which a loaf of freshly baked bread was wrapped.
Wedding candles are kept for life. They help with difficult births.
When crowns are put on the newlyweds and the priest says: “The servant of God (name) is getting married,” then the latter should be baptized and say quietly: “I, the servant of God (name), are getting married, but my illnesses are not getting married.” The people believe that if the spouses have some kind of illness and are married to them, then they will never be cured.
During the wedding, when a cloth (towel) or a scarf is laid under your feet, then whoever steps forward on it with his foot, that of the newlyweds will be the "main" in family life
During the wedding, they notice: which of the spouses, the wedding candle is more likely to burn out, to die first
During the wedding, neither the groom nor the bride should look at each other, but if they do, and especially look into the eyes, they will not love each other or someone will cheat in married life
When from the crown the young woman is brought into the house to the father-in-law, he and the mother-in-law meet the newlyweds at the gate; the first of them gives the young man a vial of wine or beer in his hands, and the last one slowly puts the newlywed pie in her bosom and throws hops under her feet. The newlyweds should eat the pie in half in front of the wedding table, on the "mansion". This is done so that they live their whole lives full, in love and harmony, and hops crumble under their feet so that they live a century of fun
Both at the first table and at the prince, the newlyweds must twist their legs or cross their legs - so that a cat does not run between them, otherwise the young will disagree, like a cat with a dog.

Wedding rings and engagement rings today are, most often, different accessories. Earlier in Russia, only the church could recognize marriage as valid. With the advent of the USSR, she lost this function, she was transferred to the registry offices, but the tradition of exchanging rings remained. Now newlyweds are increasingly turning to church to get married. Although today the wedding is, rather, a tribute to fashion and the desire of the bride to put on a beautiful dress again, the ceremony should be taken as seriously as possible. In addition, it must be taken into account that a wedding is not at all a guarantee of a happy married life. And married couples quarrel and get divorced. Moreover, during a divorce, it is also desirable to obtain permission from the church, which usually spouses who have already quarreled rarely do. And wedding rings must also meet certain requirements.

Key points to know:

What to do with wedding rings
Signs.

An important question that worries the newlyweds is whether it is possible to wear the same rings both in the registry office and at the wedding? What is the difference between wedding and engagement rings? Buying a double set of marriage symbols is somehow expensive. Actually, there are no strict prohibitions in this regard. If the young people turn to the priest with such a question, most likely he will say that this is permissible, although not desirable. Why is it undesirable?

The fact is that almost any wedding rings are now allowed. Gold, silver, platinum, not even precious. Any design elements are allowed: precious stones, carving, engraving... As for wedding rings, quite strict requirements were initially applied to them. They were not supposed to be a symbol of wealth, and at first the bride and groom exchanged simple copper rings. Only later did it become permissible to give each other precious symbols of unity. It is believed that the men's ring should be gold, and the women's - silver. Why? The man in the family is the sun, and his wife is the moon, reflecting his light. Another interpretation: marriage is, as it were, the unity of Christ and the Church. Bridegroom - Christ, divine, sunny, golden light. And the bride is the Church, the purity and innocence of silver.

Which hand should I wear my wedding ring on? Just like the engagement. It is worn on the right hand.

Wedding rings should be smooth, without any inserts and threads. Then the life of the young will be smooth, calm and peaceful. But now, even in the church itself, the newlyweds can be offered two gold rings, carved in the form of crosses and engraved "Save and Save." Of course, this is just a trend of fashion, under which the church, just like jewelry stores, is trying to adapt, but, in fact, it is not the form and design that ultimately affect how the spouses will live, but the attitude towards each other. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to wear engagement and wedding rings together or take the same ones. Only before the wedding they need to be consecrated.

Going to the wedding, do not forget not only about the rings. There are certain requirements to which the church is now easier than before. But at the same time, it is still desirable to comply with them. So, if the bride has an open dress, it is advisable to cover her shoulders with a scarf or throw on a bolero. A veil or cape on the bride's head is also required. The groom, on the contrary, should be in church with his head uncovered.

Wedding rings during the ritual on a special tray lie to the right of the throne. This choice of location is not accidental. It is believed that there jewelry is under the divine gaze. The newlyweds, before putting the symbol of love on each other's fingers, exchange them three times. It is believed that this is how they exchange energy, so that the marriage will be strong. They wear a wedding ring on the same finger as the engagement ring. If misfortune happens and the spouse dies, the ring is removed and put on the finger of the left hand. But if the wedding in the life of one of the newlyweds is not the first, rings from the first marriage cannot be worn after a divorce. They are kept as a memory of past feelings, but wearing them is considered bad luck.

Signs

So, the wedding ring shines on the hand. The signs associated with him can even scare, but whether to seriously believe in them is up to the spouses themselves.
The main signs associated with wedding rings:

The symbols of married life, the newlyweds should only be together, then there will be consent in marriage.
You can’t give other people to measure rings - they will steal happiness.
It is unacceptable to wear a symbol of marriage on a glove.
Drop the ring during the ritual - unfortunately.
The ring should be your own, you can not use someone else's, even parental. It is especially bad if the decoration was worn by a widower or widow.
It is desirable that during the ritual there were no other rings on the fingers - there will be no fidelity in the family.

But, of course, signs have no effect on those who really love each other.

A wedding is one of the most beautiful and touching church ceremonies. During this sacrament, two sincerely loving people unite their destinies and hearts in the face of God. Wedding rings become the main symbol of their love, fidelity and devotion to each other. The portal site will tell you how to choose the right wedding rings in the Orthodox Church.

Church wedding rings: essence and meaning

The Orthodox Church strictly adheres to all established rules and traditions. Rings are required for the wedding ceremony, because they are one of the main attributes of the sacrament. Do not take them as ordinary jewelry. They carry a deeper sacred meaning. If you want to comply with all customs and canons, then you need to pick up two rings from different metals, but in the same style. A man is given a product made of gold, and a woman is made of silver. There are two explanations for this:

According to the first interpretation, gold is considered the personification of the sun. It symbolizes the man as the head of the family. Silver is a symbol of the moon, which reflects the rays of the heavenly body. It signifies fidelity and obedience to the wife.
The second interpretation is based on the statements of the Apostle Paul. He compared the union of two people with the relationship between Christ and the Church. In marriage, the husband represents Jesus Christ, and the wife represents the church. And, as you know, it is gold that reflects the Divine essence of Christ and Jerusalem, and silver is a symbol of church grace, purity and spiritual light.

Also, many newlyweds are interested in the question "Which finger to wear a wedding ring?". According to Orthodox church canons, wedding rings are worn on the right hand, on the ring finger. Since Christians are baptized with this hand. Anything from the right is considered correct.

The difference between wedding and engagement rings

Preparing for painting in the registry office, the bride and groom can buy absolutely any rings, unlike wedding rings. Jewelry stores offer a huge selection of such products, from simple budget options to unique designer rings with magnificent ornaments, original elements and placers of precious stones. Indeed, many newlyweds do not attach serious importance to them, more often perceiving them as ordinary jewelry. Some even stop wearing wedding rings after marriage.

But the church gives a clear idea of what rings are needed for a wedding. Since Orthodoxy does not recognize attachment to material values and perceives rings as a necessary attribute of the rite and a symbol of marital union, they should be modest, as simple and concise as possible. Rings with precious stones and various patterns are considered not acceptable. This is the main difference between wedding and engagement rings.

Church wedding rings: models and materials

There are several models of wedding rings:

As for the material, today many people stop adhering to the canons and choose either two silver or two gold wedding rings. The most popular option is classic gold jewelry. After all, it is not whimsical in care, strong and durable. Models made of white gold look noble and gentle.

Silver products are more affordable, but inferior in quality. After all, silver needs care and cleaning, and can also darken over time.

Remember that rings must be made of precious metals. Costume jewelry is not allowed for the wedding ceremony.

Signs associated with wedding rings

There are several signs regarding weddings and wedding rings:

According to tradition, both rings must be purchased at the same time and in the same place.
Products must be new. You cannot use other people's rings, even if they are a family heirloom.
You need to choose accessories made of one metal. For example, silver wedding rings cannot contain gold inclusions, and gold items should not contain silver.
It is not recommended to let anyone try on your ring.
On a solemn day, you should not wear other rings.
It is generally accepted that what wedding rings will be, this is how family life should be. Therefore, it is advised to buy simple jewelry without patterns and stones, so that everything in life is smooth and even.
The ring, during the wedding, is not worn on a gloved hand. If you have chosen as accessories for a wedding or