The Meaning Behind the Engagement Ring
Of course we all know that when a man (or nowadays a woman) proposes, this is one of the most significant moments of a couple’s life. They prepare to take an oath to be with that person for the rest of their lives — what a wonderful and amazing thing! What we don’t know too much about is the significance of not just the marriage proposal, but the engagement ring itself, and the long history that accompanies it.
Here in the Americas, and in Western tradition in general, the engagement ring is worn by a woman on her left hand ring finger. The reason behind this dates back to classical times, when the fourth finger on the left hand was known to contain the vena amoris, or “vein of love.” Now, in the U.S. and in Canada, it is becoming more common that the woman will propose to the man, while also buying him an engagement or promise ring.
In some cultures, such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil, it is popular for the man and woman to wear engagement rings simultaneously. These rings typically come in matching plain bands featuring white, yellow, or red gold. The woman is frequently given a diamond wedding ring, as opposed to the diamond engagement ring. In Poland, a woman’s engagement ring is worn on the right hand. In Spain, the woman sometimes will buy her partner an engagement wristwatch after accepting a proposal.
The beginning of the engagement ring dates back to the Fourth Lateran Council, which was presided over by Pope Innocent III (1215). Pope Innocent declared that there should be a longer waiting period between a betrothal and the marriage, which spawned the inception of ring giving. Generally plain rings of silver, gold, or iron were presented. Engagement rings with gems were representative of status and aristocracy. After time, diamonds were made available to the middle class as well.
The reason that diamonds are generally used in engagement rings traces back to the Middle Ages, and even Roman Times. The Romans revered the diamond because they believed it had supernatural powers. It was known to counteract poison, ward off insanity and dispel fear.
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