A marriage proposal is an important life event. This is where you ask the person you are in a relationship with for their hand in marriage. If he/she says “yes” then it marks the beginning of an engagement. And a formal question asked for instance “Will you marry me..?” It is always traditional for the man to make the proposal to the woman directly on one knee; moreover, the man puts on the engagement ring on her left-hand ring finger, contrary to just offering it to her. Quite often, the proposal is a surprise.
However, accepting the proposal isn’t compulsory to a woman in western cultures.
It’s always amazing finding that someone, the One. I don’t mean from the movie Matrix but in serious terms. The one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Who gives you goosebumps and jitters all over at the simple sight of them and you are ready to pop that question. The next thing always done automatically, is to purchase a ring, right?
Sure, but have you ever wondered why? It’s not that I don’t like rings. Heck, I love them, am just curious as to the history behind it and if you are as well, this article is for you.
History of Ring
Before you go off thinking about J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, it’s not that. To be precise, the ring tradition dates back to African civilization of millennia ago. The Ancient Egyptians, who had a profound belief in circles as symbols of eternity. Now, newlywed couples exchanged rings made out of braided reeds.
Fast forward, 200 BC, the ancient Romans are thought of to begin the tradition of the proposal (engagement) rings. However, its symbolism was more about ownership than love. According to the philosopher and Scribe, Pliny the Elder, the groom gave the bride a gold ring to wear during the engagement ceremony. And special events and at home, she was given an iron ring to wear. This signified her binding legal agreement of ownership by the groom.
Modern day, people just see it as a common thing to buy their brides to be, diamond engagement rings. However, diamonds didn’t appear until the 15th Century, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave to Mary of Burgundy a ring fused with thin, flat pieces of diamonds during his proposal. Moreover, the Middle Ages saw the rise of “posey” rings containing romantic poems and sayings.
By the early 1940s, diamond engagement rings become the leading line of jewelry in most stores.
Diamond engagement rings are now common with couples spending a fortune on it. It sure is expensive, but better that earliest mating rituals of the caveman.
Thimbles were practical alternatives to engagement rings
In the US, thimbles have been used as a symbol of engagement. The Puritans who helped colonize North America refused to wear jewelry. Which included wedding and engagement rings because such were considered frivolous. Instead, the betrothed couple would exchange thimbles, yes, those sewing items. The bride would then use this to sew linens and clothing for her dowry. After the wedding, the thimble cup was cut off and the rim is worn like a ring. Symbolizing the end of the engagement and the beginning of married life.
Non-diamond engagement rings have been popular due to their lower expense. And availability this was critical during the western expansion and pioneer days of the Wild West when any metal ring was costly.
Evolution of Rings
As established from the history the first rings were made from organic material like leather, plants, or other degradable material. And may have served two purposes; to symbolize a union between two people. And their connection with the land which sustained them. With the introduction of metallurgy, metal rings became available. And were forged more elaborately, until incorporating gemstones to add distinction and beauty. The use of gemstones was due to the fact that diamonds were expensive and rare. Centuries later, however, that all changed.
Men also did receive Engagement Rings
The story behind men receiving engagement rings is far shorter. This trend was noticed during World War II, when most men were drafted into service and spent long, lonely years separated from their beloved. Simple engagement rings served the purpose of reminding them of the people they left behind.
The Future of Engagement and Wedding Rings
Despite the varied history and nature of wedding and engagement ring. Modern-day trends are clear: most people want custom rings that are unique to them. These contemporary styles are ever increasing becoming popular, illustrating the promise of a brighter than ever future. Even as diamond jewelry evolves continuously, the historical tradition ties remain intact. More so, couples continue to honor that history by exchanging rings, forging their own traditions.
Since diamond rings are quite the norm these days, getting one for your better half speaks volume. The trick is where to get one, well don’t you worry, at www.javda.com they have just what you need, even they have stock of men’s’ bands. Therefore, if you are looking to purchase an engagement ring or wedding bands, Javda is the place to go. In addition, their prices are fair and exclusive, moreover, they also do engravings. Which are ideal if you want a personal touch to your rings.