THE ORIGIN OF THE WEDDING RING
Before coinage, gold rings were circulated as currency. By giving a gold ring to his bridge, a man showed he trusted her with his property. Under Roman law, the ring was a sign of security, protecting the interests of the bride-to-be. In Elizabethan times, an interlocking set of three rings was used and worn during the engagement period by the bride, the groom and the witness at the wedding. The three rings would be placed on the bride’s finger during the wedding ceremony.
DIAMOND RINGS BECAME POPULAR IN THE 19TH CENTURY
Roman wedding rings were carved with two clasped hands. Very early rings had a carved key through the which a woman was thought to be able to open her husband’s heart. Jeweled rings were the next step and the diamond is mentioned specifically from about the fourth century A.D., and frequently from the fifteenth century on.
Although not required to validate marriage under a civil law, rings were required in 16th century by the Council of Trent. Circular shape symbolizes eternity.
THE ORIGIN OF THE BEST MAN WEDDING TRADITION
In 200 A.D., the male Germanic Goths of northern Europe usually married a woman from within his own community. However, when there were fewer women, the prospective bridegroom would capture his bride from a neighboring village. The bridegroom was accompanied by his strongest friend (or best friend), who helped him capture his bride.