A church wedding is a sacrament thanks to which the newlyweds receive a blessing for a long and happy family life and well-being in a relationship. Many couples consider this a convention or an obsolete tradition, but there are those for whom it is important.
According to the charter of the church, it is believed that the married couple marries in heaven and henceforth it will be bound not only by a stamp in a passport, but something more. The choice of wedding rings is the first thing the newlyweds should do in preparation for the sacrament.
Orthodox customs
A wedding is a procedure that carries a sacred meaning. It should be understood that the ring, which is the main attribute of the sacrament, does not belong to the category of ordinary wedding rings that the bride and groom exchange at the registry office.
The wedding ring is a symbol of love, fidelity, readiness for self-sacrifice. It is not recommended to take this item as a decoration and buy luxurious and rich products. According to church laws, the wedding ring should be as simple as possible.
Traditions are an integral part of church culture. According to custom, the newlyweds must purchase rings of various metals, the groom - gold, and the bride - silver. Interpretation of such a tradition says that gold is the Sun that illuminates family life and indicates the right path, and silver is the Moon, which is the satellite of the Sun and its reflection.
There is another interpretation that says that gold is a symbol of courage, strength and leadership. Silver is the embodiment of beauty, gentleness, femininity.
Wear the wedding ring only on the right hand, on the ring finger. It has long been believed that the middle finger is responsible for heart feelings. According to Orthodox canons, you should be baptized with your right hand, therefore, wear the ring on it. Having put on a ring, it is no longer necessary to remove it, such a product is worn constantly.
Models
There are not many types of wedding rings. Basically, these are simple concise products without frills, because a great love of material values is not welcomed in the church.
Wide
Wide models are one of the most classic options. These rings are perfect for girls with chubby fingers. The product usually has the form of a wide flat rim, it is convenient to put on and wear daily. Many wedding rings of this type are additionally decorated with small diamonds, in our time there are no such strict rules as before. However, one must remember that the priest may refuse to hold the ceremony if the ring is artsy or with large stones.
Narrow
A thin narrow ring is an excellent alternative to wide rims. Such models are best suited for girls with long fingers. Time and traditions do not stand still, so the female ring is already allowed not only in the silver version. Beautiful items made of white, pink and yellow gold, trimmed with tiny diamonds or diamond chips, will appeal to all the girls.
With engraving
Products with internal engraving are quite suitable if the inscription contains vows of love and fidelity, the names of the newlyweds, excerpts from the sacred texts. Prayer rings are very popular in this case. Once in the jewelry salon, from a wide range you can choose a ready-made ring with an inscription. However, if you want the words to be unique, intended only for you, then any master can make a beautiful engraving.
Paired rings
Such rings are a true symbol of the complete unity of the spouses. Like the wedding rings of this model, wedding products are an exact copy of each other, the difference is only in size. Sometimes paired jewelry is not exactly the same, only decor elements, material or shape are the only ones.
The popularity of double rings is explained by the fact that many perceive them as a reflection of harmony in marriage - spouses complement each other, help in personal development and growth, provide support in difficult times.
Wedding ring
Unlike standard wedding rings, the ring goes back to Ancient Byzantium. Usually this is a large, massive accessory that looks like a cross. On the contour of the product, inscriptions or prayers are engraved on the sides and on the inside, which will help the newlyweds in family life. Jewelers combine two metals at once in such rings. The female version implies a silver item with a gold insert.
Materials
Gold is one of the metals popular in the manufacture of not only ordinary and engagement models, but also wedding rings. Today, many are moving away from the Orthodox canons, not wanting to wear a simple silver ring every day. As a material, gold has several significant advantages. It is more durable, very durable and unpretentious in care. In addition, if you decorate the ring with stones, they look more interesting on a gold background than on a silver one.
Among the assortment of gold rings, special attention should be paid to models made of white gold. Such wedding rings look gentle and noble at the same time, they can be additionally trimmed with small pebbles. It is best if they are diamonds or diamond chips, but small rubies, sapphires, emeralds and amethysts are also allowed.
As a daily decoration, models in yellow or pinkish gold are also suitable. The yellow color is more classic, therefore, if the soul lies more to this type, you can pick up something interesting.
Among the many models of silver rings, blackened jewelry was extremely popular. Products made of such material resemble beautiful antique jewelry, and blackened rings will be an excellent choice when buying wedding paraphernalia. It is on silver rings that most often there are finished engravings and inscriptions. As an additional decor fit cubic zirconias, small diamonds, rubies. You can choose a silver ring with gold accents.
Compared to gold, silver is a fairly democratic metal. Products from it will cost much less than gold jewelry with diamonds. The only drawback is that silver jewelry is not very durable. They must be protected from excessive moisture, salt water and direct sunlight. Over time, such jewelry darkens, so it is worth remembering that silver needs regular maintenance - polishing and cleaning.
As for jewelry, then, according to church laws, such models are prohibited. Do not even get the most beautiful rings if they are not made of metal. Be sure to remember that beauty does not always depend on the amount of decor. Indeed, in the simplicity and rigor of the wedding ring is its strength. Orthodox priests believe that it is simple rings that testify to the most sincere and bright feelings.
Common Signs
Since the wedding refers not only to the number of church, but also to wedding ceremonies, it has many different signs and superstitions. Most couples tend to not take them seriously, but if you decide not to tempt fate, you need to know some of them.
One of the signs well explains why for weddings it is recommended to select only smooth rings. It is believed that family life will take place calmly and safely, bypassing troubles and illnesses, if you choose a smooth ring. Success and fidelity also await those newlyweds who choose products together. It is worth buying the rings at the same time and in one place, then they acquire the symbolic meaning that they should.
Traditions advise the couple to choose rings of the same type, which will seem to complement each other throughout the marriage. Stones and decor here mean that the path will be thorny and difficult, so those who believe in signs and attach great importance to the ritual, it is better to purchase simple models of rings without inlays. The decoration must necessarily be completely new, without a trace - it is forbidden to use the rings of relatives for the wedding, even if these are family heirlooms.
Putting on the jewel on a solemn day, you should only confine it to it - then the ring will become the talisman and the vow of the subsequent easy life. However, everyone in life may have difficulties, and if the joint life turned out to be excessive, then after a divorce, the ring must be removed and no longer worn, even as a normal decoration.