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