Traditions and Wedding Rings for Women around the Globe
The sacred circle of precious metal and a coveted diamond bears great significance across many civilizations. In Western cultures, the momentous occasion of a marriage proposal is typically set in stone with a diamond ring on the woman’s left hand. This moment sparks celebration and initiates preparations of upcoming nuptials. Wedding rings for women in the U.S. are treasured as possibly her most valuable possession! This isn’t always the case, however. The symbol of marriage and engagement has both evolved over time and widely varies in other customs.
Wedding Rings: For Women Only?
It may come as a surprise to today’s generation, but there was a time when wedding rings were worn only by women. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that wedding rings for men became commonplace. History shows a trend in men wearing rings as they went off to war during World Wars I and II as a symbol of remembrance of their families back home. As time went on, men wearing a wedding ring became the norm. Today, it is customary in most cultures for men to receive and wear a wedding ring upon making the wedding vows (some men will even wear an engagement ring).
Wedding Ring: Where to Wear It?
In most Western and Asian cultures, both engagement and wedding rings for women and men are worn on the left hand. The third finger on the left hand was traditionally believed to house a vein that connected to the heart, so the wedding ring bore special significance on this finger.
Russia, Norway, Poland, and Spain are among other countries that follow the tradition of wearing the wedding rings on the right hand.
A unique approach Brazilians take is for engagement rings to be worn on the right hand, but once the wedding has taken place, the rings are transferred over to the left.
Are Diamonds Always a Girl’s Best Friend?
Not at all! Believe it or not, women in many cultures don’t prefer a dazzling diamond sitting atop a diamond-studded band! Native American cultures wear wedding rings with spiritual and cultural symbolism. Turquoise and other precious stones are used far more than diamonds, and bands of silver or other material is often carved with significant symbols.
Many women in French and Swedish culture prefer more understated wedding bands, possibly with other semi-precious stones rather than diamonds.
One thing is certain across all cultures: Wedding rings for women are to be chosen with care, intentionality, and with regard to their personal heritage. Wedding rings for men are more understated, but on both the man and woman the ring signifies a physical and spiritual bond meant to last a lifetime.
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