When a woman gets engaged, the first thing most people say (after “congratulations”) is, “Let me see the ring!” After a couple ties the knot, they’re both expected to sport rings at all times?and if they don’t, it’s considered a sign that they aren’t committed. Yes, the wedding ring has become ubiquitous in the world of love and marriage… but has it always been that way"
While some traditions are relatively new to the public sphere, wedding rings actually have a long and storied history as a symbol of love and commitment. When you wear a wedding ring, you’re taking part in a tradition held since ancient times! Let’s take a look at the history of the wedding ring.
The First Wedding Rings
The earliest recorded example of the traditional wedding band is found in ancient Egypt, over 3,000 years ago. According to hieroglyphics on scrolls from the era, couples began making rings for each other out of hemp, reeds, leather, or ivory. The more expensive your materials, the more love it was believed you held for your partner (thankfully, we know that’s not the case these days). The circular shape of the ring also symbolized eternal and unbreaking love?a meaning we still ascribe to rings today.
As time went on, other cultures adopted the wedding ring tradition. In ancient Rome, grooms would give their brides an iron ring, which makes them the earliest predecessor to our modern metal rings. The iron ring bro...