| Surprisingly, weddings are one of the unchanged | | | | true, the tradition continues to this day.Medieval |
| rites of passage through history. Nearly all of the | | | | bridegrooms placed the ring on three of the |
| customs we observe today are simply echoes of | | | | bride's fingers, in turn, to symbolize God the |
| the past. Everything from the veil, rice, flowers, | | | | Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The |
| and old shoes, to bridesmaids and processionals, | | | | ring then remained on the third finger and has |
| at one time, bore a very specific and vitally | | | | become the customary ring finger for |
| significant meaning. The wedding ring and the | | | | English-speaking cultures. In some European |
| engagement ring is no different.The Tradition Of | | | | countries, the ring is worn on the left hand before |
| The Wedding Ring:Since the days of the early | | | | marriage, and is moved to the right hand during |
| Egyptians, the circular shape of the wedding ring | | | | the ceremony. However, in most European |
| has symbolized undying, unending love. A primitive | | | | countries the ring is still worn on the brides left |
| bride usually wore a ring of hemp or rushes, | | | | hand. A Greek Orthodox bride wears her ring on |
| which had to be replaced often. The Romans | | | | her left had before marriage, and moves it to her |
| used durable iron to symbolize the permanence of | | | | right hand after the ceremony.Why an |
| marriage. Today of course, the favorite is gold, | | | | Engagement Ring?In the early days of ``Marriage |
| with its lasting qualities of beauty and purity.Why | | | | by Purchase," the betrothal ring served a twofold |
| is the Ring Worn on the Third Finger, Left-hand?In | | | | purpose. This twofold purpose included partial |
| ancient times, it was believed there was a vein in | | | | payment for the bride and was a symbol of the |
| the third finger of the left hand that ran directly | | | | groom's honorable intentions. The diamond was |
| to the heart. Thus, the ring being placed on that | | | | found first in Medieval Italy, and because of its |
| finger denoted the strong connection of a | | | | hardness, was chosen to stand for enduring |
| heartfelt love and commitment to one another. | | | | love.Nitu Kumar, has been in the wedding business |
| Although during times of modern day medical | | | | for over 7 years and writes for Flower Girl |
| science, this long held belief was found not to be | | | | Dresses. |