The story of wedding rings in different cultures of the world

"The meeting between two people is like the contact between two chemicals: if there is a reaction, both undergo a transformation."- C.G. Jung

Love may be a universal language, but wedding favors and traditions are as diverse as humanity. In all parts of the world, a multitude of customs are uniquely expressed through wedding rings that hold significant cultural value, giving rise to ancient traditions.

A little history that starts with Ancient Egypt

Engagement rings are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where circles were interpreted as a symbol of eternity. Ancient Egyptian couples-to-be exchanged "rings" made of woven reeds, which were then worn on the left hand.

The left hand is said to have a vein called the "vena amoris" that goes straight to the heart. Even in ancient folk traditions, the heart represents love and fidelity, and therefore the wedding ring should be worn on the "heart" rib that runs through the third finger of the left hand.

Norway

Norwegians don't just celebrate their marriage by exchanging wedding rings. During the wedding reception, Kransekake is served, a Norwegian almond cake that resembles a tower made of pyramidal overlapping rings of dough baked in round shapes and different sizes. Sometimes they even build a tower of tasty rings around a bottle of wine.

In Norwegian culture, both wedding rings and conventional engagement rings are worn on the finger. But just like their Scandinavian neighbors, men also receive an engagement ring just like brides.

Chile

Scandinavians aren't the only ones who have engagement rings for both sexes. In Chile, men and women give each other engagement rings and wear them on their right hand. As part of the marriage ceremony, they take the ring off their right hand and move it to their left hand.

Kenya

Kenyan couples formalize their union with elaborate jewelry instead of wedding rings and rings with precious stones. Decorative beads have been part of African culture for a long time.

Each African group, region and religion plays an important role in the colors and types of adornment. Even the climate of the region plays a role in the materials that are used to make the jewelry.

Japan

Exchanging wedding rings was not a custom in Japan until recently. In a traditional Shinto wedding, the ceremony takes place in a Japanese shrine, set in nature, followed by a purification ritual for the couple, called sansankudo, in which the couple drinks three different sized glasses of sake.

Nowadays, most young people in Japan choose to marry in a modern style, with more emphasis on the sacredness of love, but without deviating from traditional customs.

Ireland and Scotland

The Claddagh symbol is an ancient Celtic triquetra symbol that personifies marital fidelity, illustrated by the heart, friendship - the two hands, and loyalty - the crown above the heart.

For the engagement party, the Claddagh ring is worn on the left hand with the crown facing the arm, showing that the wearer is still unmarried, and the crown facing the fingertips, showing that the two hearts are forever united in the mystery of marriage.

Russia and France

Russian and French style wedding rings come in a wide variety of designs. In France, the wedding ring is often a family jewel. Unlike other Western countries, the engagement ring may have precious stones such as rubies, emeralds or sapphires instead of the traditional diamonds.

In Russia, wedding rings were constructed of three thin wedding bands made of different materials—yellow, white, and rose gold—that were intertwined to form a single ring. This ring design was intended to be a representation of the Holy Trinity of the Christian Orthodox religion or an interpretation of the past, present and future of the couple. There were also no stones set in the ring, although nowadays wedding rings can be made of a single precious metal and have diamonds.

Wedding rings and engagement rings are far from a modern invention. Their origins stretch back thousands of years and have evolved over time through contact with dozens of cultures, customs and traditions.

At MOOGU you can find collections of wedding rings that evoke strong emotions and at the center of which is the love from which everything starts. These collections of emotions await you wrapped in gold and other precious metals, but also in stones that shine forever - diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.

Get inspired by the story of MOOGU wedding rings!