Wedding Ring Symbolism
A wedding is the start of a marriage. It is a way for a couple to declare their love and their intention to share their lives in front of their family, friends, and community. The entire ceremony is filled with symbolism designed to reflect the seriousness of the act and the commitment being made. This symbolism is physically represented by the exchange of rings.
More than the pronouncement of the officiant or the ritual kiss, the wedding rings are a lasting symbol of the couple’s commitment to their marriage. It doesn’t matter whether they exchange platinum, gold or tungsten wedding bands , the intent is the same. The rings remind the wearers of their role as husband or wife and of the love and commitment of the spouse who placed it on their finger. It is also a symbol to the rest of the world that the individual is in a committed marriage.
Traditional wedding lore suggests that a ring is the perfect symbol of love because it is a circle. It therefore has no beginning and no end and is unbroken. As such it represents both the love and the commitment of the bride and groom. Many couples will chose ring designs that include gemstones that add to the symbolism. A diamond usually suggests the eternal nature of the marriage, since diamonds are an enduring substance. Other wedding bands are decorated with religious symbols or engraved with words or phrases that are meaningful to the couple.