The ring itself can already be considered a talisman: primarily due to its shape. The circle is otherwise a sign of infinity. The material from which the ring was made also plays an important role. So, silver products have always been considered a symbol of purity. The article will focus on Orthodox rings - a special form of this decoration.
Orthodox rings: questions of terminology
However, to call the Orthodox rings “jewelry” is fundamentally wrong and even somewhat rude. Rings of this kind are considered a kind of protective amulet that protects not only external negative influences, but also bad thoughts. Rings over time began to be considered the same church symbol as a pectoral cross. And, of course, there is no talk of any mysticism in this case.
However, the clergy for the most part do not support this, and there are a number of reasons:
- Firstly, the church has a very negative attitude towards various kinds of amulets.
- Secondly, only God can protect a person from troubles and protect him from atrocities, but not a ring at all.
- Thirdly, if every jewelry boutique can offer such “accessories” to choose from, then all the spiritual value of a thing is lost.
An important nuance: if the ring for the holder is only a symbol of faith and a reminder of it, then this does not go against religious norms.
Who needs it?
There are plenty of rings — among them are rings with the faces of saints, and with engraved biblical quotes, and with the names of patrons. They are often bought by people who associate themselves with Christianity at the cultural level, or who do not at all identify themselves with religion. For them, this is, above all, a nice accessory.
Of course, neither such an attitude to the ring nor its acquisition is prohibited. But mainly this detail is intended to remind the believer of the Lord. They are acquired for themselves, close friends, relatives, and even for small children. Some believers for their reasons do not want to wear a cross or somehow demonstrate their religiosity - a product with an engraving on the inside can come to the rescue.
Although it was said above about the skepticism of the altar’s ministers towards jewelry with Orthodox symbols and, all the more, their perception as a “protective mechanism”, one can come across real evidence of such properties of rings.
The most common example is the loss or deterioration of the appearance of a product. It is generally accepted that the ring "takes a hit on itself", saving the owner from illness or misfortune. It is curious that something similar is said if the cross is lost or darkened.
Which metal to choose?
Orthodox rings differ:
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according to the material of manufacture - gold, silver, iron;
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by design - even such rings can be decorated with stones or enamel;
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by appointment - for the wedding ceremony, male, female, children's;
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from the image and inscriptions - it is easy to find a ring with a prayer, a tiny icon, a wicker pattern, etc.
Perhaps it is worth starting with the materials, because many are misled: there is an opinion that it is impossible to wear gold crosses or Christian rings with Christian symbols.
Silver is a special metal, and our ancestors still knew about it. In addition to the fact that he was endowed with extraordinary healing properties, it was often said about the most powerful energy that a silver product accumulates in itself.
Gold has its advantages: it is a symbol of light and the sun, therefore, it is considered to be the main material. But it cannot be said that he was revered more. Silver was also paid tribute, and used it more often. And the reason is the price.
By and large, it does not matter which metal ring you prefer. It is important that you want to wear it, feel the joy of one look and, as they say, “so that the soul lies”.
The most common types of rings
One of the most widely known Orthodox rings - with the inscription "Save and save." Many people are of the opinion that it can replace the icon, but this is not at all. Powerful energy lies in simple words, and therefore you can believe that they help to maintain the purity of thoughts, reason, direct on the true path. It is in this that the meaning of the “Save and save” ring lies, but not in the accessory itself.
It is impossible to confuse wedding rings with wedding rings: if the latter can be considered as a decorative element, the former are designed exclusively to help in the ceremony and become a symbol of love.
According to tradition, wedding rings should vary between husband and wife. A man wears gold and a woman wears silver. Any excesses and luxury are absolutely unacceptable: stones, two-color, any design tricks - all this will have to be left for another occasion. Design should be the most unpretentious. True, one deviation is possible: if desired, you can engrave the name of the husband and wife or the date of the wedding.
By the way, although wedding rings are usually worn on the right hand, with wedding rings the opposite is true. The ancients believed that the path from the ring finger of the left hand goes straight to the heart.
Prayer rings are also common. Prayers can be engraved different: the publican’s prayer, “Lord, have mercy,” to the Virgin. The meaning and purpose of such a ring is the believer's conversion to God, the constant presence of the Almighty next to man. Prayer rings are often chosen by women - mainly because of their grace and miniature. However, it is impossible to divide such rings into strictly male and female.
Signet rings are more considered independent jewelry than a symbol of Christianity.Such products, as a rule, are richly decorated, combine several types of metal or precious stones. But they, too, can meet Orthodox themes. Often there are seals with the faces of saints, crosses or angels.
Rings intended for children are not much different from "adults", except for size. Most often, parents buy rings for their children with the same engraving "Save and Save", or with prayers. Of course, the decor on them is to a minimum, but this applies to almost any Orthodox rings.
Tips & Tricks
For those who are used to adhering to strict recommendations, you can give a couple of tips:
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Rings with symbols can be bought at any jewelry store, but it would be nice to do it in a church shop.
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If you purchased jewelry with a prayer or a saint in a regular retail outlet, then you should go to church and consecrate the ring.
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It is advisable to wear the ring constantly, removing it only if necessary.
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Unmarried men and unmarried girls should ideally wear a ring on their index or middle finger.
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There are some nuances for those who get married: although there is already a ring on your ring finger, it is quite possible to wear two rings on one finger. True, we are talking only about rings with prayers.
But, by and large, these rules are not strict, not spelled out anywhere and by anyone. There are no strict limits regarding wearing or acquiring rings. And this is right: it’s important not what finger the jewelry is worn on, and even more so - not its price or place of purchase, but the wearer's spirit and thoughts.
