Customs
The wedding ring is a western custom dating back to ancient Roman times. It was continued from the pre-Christian era into the traditions of the modern church. The custom of giving and exchanging bands has now transferred into secular ceremonies too.
A bride and groom traditionally give and receive rings as the central part of the wedding ceremony whilst exchanging vows. It is the final part in a series of gifts leading up to the marriage. The series usually starts with an engagement ring as a symbol of betrothal. More recent developments have also seen extra stages added with pre-engagement rings too.
Many wedding rings are personalised with the name of each spouse engraved inside the surface. Sometimes the sentimentality is also manifested in passing on rings as heirlooms.
The band is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. There are a range of myths and customs explaining why this is so. However, there is a practical reason too – most people write with their right hand. Wearing the ring on the hand you use least allows you to be more comfortable and there is less of a chance it will become damaged.
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