Some Interesting Facts About Exchanging Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a symbol of betrothal between two people. The pair are stating their intention to enter into a marriage together, in Christan ceremonies, till death do them part. A second ring is then placed on each of the couple during the wedding ceremony.

The metals cost - and if a stone is included, the entire cost - was in the past also a wealth symbol. Poorer people wore iron, where the elite sported gold or silver bands. Today couples are still most usually financially co-dependent. Though the feminist movement has given women the opportunities to work and make their own wages giving them a lot more independence in marriages.

Anthropologists point out the identity symbolism involved in present day marriage rites. Couples use the image of their rings to make a statement about or in concordance with their interaction with the rest of the social world, in addition to with one another. The ring's style can indicate their calm nature, their love of French culture, their extravagant life style or their simple love for one another. Either way, it is in contrast to other types of rings on other social beings fingers.

The circular nature of the ring is important. It symbolizes eternity because it has neither start nor end. It is also a symbol of renewal and wholeness.

The left ring finger is the traditional place for engagement rings to sit. The first to begin this were the Ancient Romans. Their rationale was that the vena amoris (the vein of love) goes directly from this finger to the heart. This romantic idea proves that the Romans were still romantic idealists despite their reputation for extra marital bi-sexual affairs.

To keep them feeling comfortable, some are specially designed to fit well with the wedding band. This can be a good idea. Especially so as the couple hope to wear them for a lifetime - and the age of mortality just keeps on rising.

Diamonds and other gems can be placed in or on the metal band. Diamonds are a recent tradition, and became so after a rigorous marketing campaign. Many couples nowadays forgo the diamond element, however, as two thirds of the diamonds in circulation are unethically sourced. They are mined, predominantly in Africa, and the profits fund weaponry and other resources used in conflict. This conflicts with the romantic symbolism of this gift, and so many choose other stones instead.

Many folk choose vintage as a cheaper more ethical option in the present day. Some see it as more romantic, because the rings have a story to them. Vintage items are greener, because they are a mode of recycling and thus mean that fuel is not burned in the production of new products.

Diamond rings are symbolic of love and life shared between two people. The above article has hopefully shared with you some of the interesting details about the symbolism of betrothal bands. Should you be embarking on this journey, the very best of luck to you.

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Interesting and Funny Marriage Proposal Ideas

Have you bought the perfect ring for the woman of your dreams but are looking for a different way of proposing to her? Well then, congratulations my friend because you have found the right place; for some people hundred candles and red roses are not just the perfect idea of proposal, maybe because it's too filmy, clichéd or predictable, whatsoever be the reason it's your marriage proposal and you got to do it just the way you like it.

If you are committed to a woman who appreciates a good joke you can present her with a huge box wrapped as a present which would contain a couple of more boxes of smaller size and she would have to work her way to the ring but if patience isn't her strongest suit you can always opt for something else. If you are sick and tired of the usual proposal idea such as ring in a glass of wine or bending down on one knee on Christmas Eve you have to try to think out of the box. From the box another idea popped into my head, remember that prank box from which a monster pops up? Well that would be a ridiculously funny idea of proposing and an excellent anecdote for the life ahead. I believe the simpler the proposal idea is kept the better is its outcome; planning something extravagant and complicated may result in ruining your marriage proposal instead of making memorable and special.

A very unique and interesting idea would be to engage her in a game of hangman and keep the phrase will you marry me and let her figure it out, once she does and looks at you confusingly bend don on one knee and show her the ring that would be placed on her ring forever. You can try planning a treasure hunt at home and let your lady love work her way to the ring and when she finds you can greet her with flowers and a will you marry me banner. One can make use of technology to work out a creative and unique marriage proposal, you can take a picture of yourself holding a will you marry me sign, enlarge it to a huge poster size and hang it in her room and then you can enter the room in that exact moment holding the perfect ring.

Another interesting, hilarious but totally cute idea would be to propose when your girlfriend is having a bad hair day, is dressed funny, what I simply mean that she is looking bad and she is well aware of that and can't stop complaining to you about her looks, that's when you take the ring out and ask her to tie the bond of marriage and tell her that you don't care about how she looks and all that matters is that she marries you. Believe it or not, this idea would make her fall for you all over again.

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