Recently, an increasing number of newlyweds, in addition to the ceremonial registration at PFUC, also organize a wedding ceremony. Such a wedding, in addition to paying tribute to traditions, makes it possible to show the most serious intentions of the newlyweds, the desire to cement the union before God and people. Deeply religious families do not at all recognize the creation of a new family without performing a ritual. During the ceremony, as at a secular wedding, the bride and groom will exchange rings, but the meaning of the ritual will be somewhat different.
Features and meaning
Marriage in the registry office, despite the solemnity, does not require the newlyweds to comply with certain traditions. Open dresses, non-standard themed and “colored” ceremonies are allowed;
you can even do without rings at all, exchanging, for example, bracelets - in any case, they will sign you. With a wedding, everything is more complicated and stricter, because the bride and groom are going to be united with indissoluble spiritual bonds and comprehend the sacrament. Rings, like the wedding couple and other accessories, are a necessary attribute of a wedding, without which no priest would agree to perform the ceremony. In addition, not all decorations are suitable, both in shape and in history. For example, in no case should you use those inherited from widowed relatives.
Interesting! Before the ceremony, the rings are handed over to the priest and blessed on the church altar.
After this, it is considered that the union is approved, and the spouses will be protected by divine grace. Historically, it was customary that newlyweds' rings were made of different metals - the groom comes to the ceremony with gold, and the bride with silver. On a symbolic level, this means the unity of the masculine and feminine principles, the golden Divine glory of Christ, and the silver purity and grace of the Orthodox Church. Thus, the wedding repeats the indissoluble sacred union and makes the newlyweds part of this great sacrament.
The newlyweds exchange rings three times, respectively, the bride wears her husband’s gold jewelry, as a sign of his fidelity and readiness to protect her all her life, and the groom wears his wife’s silver jewelry, as a symbol of her selfless love, devotion, and readiness to always be on his side.
Now priests are not so strict about observing the rule about different metals, and if you wish, you can choose the same jewelry, gold or silver.
How to choose metal
The choice of material should be approached with no less responsibility, since there are certain requirements for women's and men's wedding rings:
- The male version is made of gold. It symbolizes the divine glory of Jesus Christ;
- the women's is made of silver, which is associated with the church.
Together they form a strong union, combining the masculine and feminine principles. It is allowed to make inserts in rings from the opposite material, the main thing is that they do not dominate the main one.
Signs
The wedding ceremony is a mysterious, ancient, mystical rite. Of course, he simply cannot help but be surrounded by a wide variety of beliefs:
- Neither the groom nor the bride should put other jewelry on their hands on their wedding day , even rings, if they do not want to lose each other due to illness or betrayal;
- For a smooth family life, rings should be smooth , without stones, unnecessary decor and roughness;
- It is forbidden to allow anyone, even those closest to you, to try on your wedding ring - doing this will lead to disaster, because in this way you allow them to try on your happiness;
- The groom should buy rings , certainly in the same store and both at once - this way the family will be stronger;
- Returning home with a purchase, it is worth saying at the door: “For a good life, for a faithful family. Amen" ;
- In no case should you use rings made from broken and melted down jewelry of parents , and also put on a wedding ring that previously belonged to a widowed person, so as not to repeat his unhappy fate;
- But if the jewelry was inherited from relatives who celebrated a golden wedding, the rings, on the contrary, will bring prosperity, love and a long, happy life;
- The worst omen is the ring falling before or during the ceremony. If this happens, the threat of divorce, illness or even death hangs over the newly created family, and in order to avert it, you need to say to yourself three times: “The ring is on me, the trouble is not for me”;
- If your outfit includes gloves, then before putting on the jewelry, they must be removed so that the metal touches the skin;
- There is also a good omen: if you wash your face with rainwater with your hand in the wedding ring, then prosperity and well-being will definitely await your new family.
How seriously you take these beliefs is up to you. The Orthodox Church does not favor superstition too much, but everyone has friends and relatives who will convincingly prove the correctness of one or another sign.
Differences from engagement
If you do everything according to the rules and church canons, then the engagement and wedding rings are two completely different rings. The first shows your intention to cement your alliance before people and the state, the second - before God.
If you can choose absolutely any engagement ring, the options are limited only by your imagination and wedding style, then the wedding ring is, first of all, not a decoration, but a symbol, and therefore the requirements for it are appropriate.
Important! Complex modern forms are completely excluded - writhing snakes, voluminous flowers, bird legs, kittens. They're great as a party accessory, but not as a symbol of lifelong togetherness.
In particular, rings used for weddings cannot be made of base metals, only classic gold and silver. They should not be decorated with large multi-colored stones or elaborate decorative elements.
The modern church allows the same ring to be used in both ceremonies if it is appropriate. In this case, the wedding ring is put on at the registry office, and then removed before the wedding so that it can be blessed on the throne. When the priest puts on the ring for the second time, it will also become a wedding ring, simultaneously denoting your union on a secular and religious level.
Some people prefer to wear both rings at the same time - both the wedding and the engagement ring. In this case, the wedding dress should be worn on top, which means it should be smaller in size so as not to fly off the finger. If you want to change one of the rings to another finger, then it should not be a wedding ring. It’s generally better to never take it off.
Difference between wedding and engagement rings
When preparing for painting at the registry office, the bride and groom can buy absolutely any rings, unlike wedding rings. Jewelry stores offer a huge selection of such products, from simple budget options to unique designer rings with magnificent ornaments, original elements and scatterings of precious stones. After all, many newlyweds do not attach serious importance to them, more often perceiving them as ordinary jewelry. Some people stop wearing wedding rings altogether after marriage.
But the church gives a clear idea of what rings are needed for a wedding. Since Orthodoxy does not recognize attachment to material values and perceives rings as a necessary attribute of the ritual and a symbol of the marital union, they should be modest, as simple and concise as possible. Rings with precious stones and various patterns are not considered acceptable. This is the main difference between wedding and engagement rings.
What items are needed for a church wedding: models with photos
Traditionally, wedding rings should be modest, without stones, frilly jewelry or complex decor. A strict priest may well refuse to bless an accessory that is too luxurious, in his opinion. Sometimes, however, modern clergy meet halfway and are tolerant of the newlyweds’ desire to choose something special as a symbol of their love, but it is still important to remain within the bounds of reason.
If you are not sure about the admissibility and appropriateness of the jewelry you have chosen, then you can discuss this issue with the priest who will be crowning you before the ceremony.
Despite the large number of restrictions, there is a certain choice, and since all of these models are time-tested classics, newlyweds will be able to choose something to their taste even with the most demanding needs.
Classic
The most modest and chaste option, which will definitely appeal to even the strictest priest. This ring can be either wide or narrow, depending on your preferences. More often, men prefer a wider shape, while women emphasize the beauty of their fingers with an elegant thin rim.
The classic not only looks very elegant and discreet, but also immediately demonstrates that this is not just a decoration, but a sign of your marital status, that you are a husband or wife.
Smooth rings without stones or decoration make it possible to demonstrate modesty and sophistication, that it is not the form that is important to you, but the content. Finally, given that wedding rings are not usually removed, a simple design of the jewelry will save you from having to rack your brains over how to combine it with a particular outfit.
With decor
A small pebble or precious stone chips around the rim is allowed by almost any clergyman. It is better to choose neutral, calm colors, and definitely not try to apply the whole rainbow to the decoration at once.
A small diamond or other precious stone will add uniqueness to your look, a drop of color , and this will establish you as a person who knows how to play with halftones and pays attention to detail.
Large stones on wedding rings are unacceptable, and if you choose this option, it means asking for the disgrace of the priest, who has the right to refuse to consecrate such luxury. Therefore, if you definitely want a wedding ring with a noticeable stone, then it is better to leave this option for the wedding decoration and ceremony at the registry office, but for the church choose something more modest and appropriate.
Decor in the form of a pattern is allowed if it is neutral and inconspicuous, but is not very welcome - it is better to give preference to other options.
With engraving
Previously, only prayers were used as engraving , for example, “Pray to God for us, Holy Guardian Angel,” “Save and Preserve,” an appeal to a saint, lines or names of prayers. It was believed that such a ring would protect both the person and his family and home from any misfortune.
Today it is allowed to use each other’s names and the date of marriage as engravings. An equally popular option is vows of love and fidelity.
Important! When adding names, remember that you will eventually exchange rings: the bride will keep the gold one and the groom will keep the silver one. So if your plans do not include wearing jewelry with your own name, be careful when ordering.
Engraving can be on both the outer and inner surface of the ring. The first is suitable for those who want to show the whole world that they belong to the best chosen one, the second option is more sacred, for those who do not want other people’s curious glances to glance at their happiness.
You can choose any font, depending on your taste. Usually preference is given to pseudo-Old Church Slavonic, especially when applying prayers.
Doubles
The option with paired rings is one of the cutest and most romantic. If you and your chosen one want to show that mutual love is strong and eternal, then absolutely identical rings, differing only in size, are your choice.
They can be anything in design, the main thing is identity. If you also want to observe church customs, then you can choose different metals: silver for the bride, and very pale gold for the groom.
Ring
If you don’t like simple rings in general, or your soul asks for something more unusual, almost sacred, then, in addition to rings, there are also wedding rings. The Church allows such variation, because the form of jewelry came to us from Ancient Byzantium - the cradle of Orthodoxy.
The ring looks like a cross with engraved prayers. Usually it is “Lord, crown us with your protection” along the contour, “Consent from God” on the side, as well as “Health” and “Grace” inside.
Often silver and gold are used simultaneously in rings. In this case, the bride is given a silver ring with a gold central insert, and the groom, on the contrary, is given a gold ring with a silver core.
Types of wedding rings
Despite. That decorations should be modest, some types of decor are still allowed. According to them, wedding rings are divided into several types.
Classic
These rings are a pair of smooth rims without any decoration, of varying widths. Wide ones are chosen by men and women with large fingers, while thin ones are chosen by slender girls with long fingers.
Classic gold rings
With engraving
Engraving on Orthodox wedding rings is permitted. The text can be the exchange of spouses, wedding date, vows of love, wedding date or church prayer.
Wedding rings with engraving “Save and Preserve”
With decor
Despite the requirements for modesty, small decorations are still allowed. It is allowed to have a small diamond or a small scattering of diamond chips on a wedding ring. But it is worth keeping in mind that a church minister may completely refuse to perform the ceremony if he is provided with rings with large stones or other various decorations.
Diamond wedding rings
Doubles
In this case, the rings will be exactly the same, but made of different metal and different sizes. It is with such wedding wedding rings that the tradition is considered to be fully respected.
In the form of a ring
Wedding rings contain a small stone or even a cross as decoration, and the rim itself is covered with prayers and church inscriptions. Such rings are somewhat similar to a traditional church cross.
Traditional paired wedding rings
What to choose: gold or silver?
Since a wedding ring is not a decoration, but primarily a symbol, using jewelry as an analogue is strictly prohibited. The classic version involves a gold ring from the groom, which remains on the wife at the end of the ceremony, and a silver ring from the bride, which remains on the husband.
If you want uniformity, or simply don't like one of these metals, then you can choose two identical rings.
Gold is the most convenient option, as it requires no maintenance, is durable and beautiful. If you don’t like the yellow color itself, then as a compromise we advise you to take a closer look at white gold - aristocratic, elegant and durable.
Silver is cheaper and may be more aesthetically pleasing, but it tends to darken and therefore requires careful periodic maintenance. Nevertheless, silver wedding rings remain in fashion, strict, discreet and at the same time romantic. Another option is blackened silver, which is also allowed by the church, but it looks extremely unusual and stylish.
Recommendations: what should the ideal rings be like?
- It is better to buy wedding rings together. This way you will follow the tradition and accurately select jewelry to suit your taste and size;
- Remember that in the evening your fingers swell, so it’s better to do this in the morning;
- It is recommended to choose jewelry that matches church traditions. You can show extravagant taste in another situation, and not at the sacrament of a wedding;
- The rings must be the exact size and match most of your wardrobe, because they cannot be removed;
- If you choose prayers and other religious symbols as decor, then it is wise to purchase jewelry in a church shop , but if you plan to have a smooth model or the names of the newlyweds, then you can choose any jewelry store or have it engraved to order;
- And the most important thing is that both of you should like the wedding rings, because they are a symbol of your love!
What is the difference between engagement rings and wedding rings?
In the modern world, if newlyweds decide to get married on the same day on which the wedding is scheduled, then they exchange the same rings both during the church ceremony and when registering the marriage at the registry office. However, in the past, engagement and wedding types of jewelry were still distinguished. It was customary to call the ring that a guy gave to a girl when he announced his intention to marry her to the family, but in our time it has been replaced by an engagement ring. If a girl accepted a piece of jewelry as a gift, then even without words it was clear that she agreed to marry the young man. After this event, she had to wear it on her right ring finger until her wedding day. Already during the church Sacrament, the groom removed this ring from the bride and replaced it with the wedding ring, and then put this on top. Subsequently, the woman wore 2 jewelry on one finger at once. The main difference between wedding rings and engagement rings is that they are consecrated in the temple, and they should be treated as a shrine of the family, which was created only thanks to God.
In modern realities, buying 2 pairs of rings is not at all a prerequisite; it all depends on the desires and financial capabilities of the future married couple. However, if you want to follow all Orthodox canons, then it is best to purchase engagement and wedding rings separately. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, there is no need to buy expensive options. These are exactly the kind of Orthodox rings that our website offers - they will be an excellent option for a believing couple: both as an engagement ring and for the sacrament of a wedding.
There are several points that are important to consider when choosing and purchasing engagement and wedding rings; we will consider them in more detail below.
Which hand should I wear it on?
Wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the hand with which you are baptized. That is, Orthodox Christians put rings on their right hand, and during a Catholic wedding, on their left. You must wear your wedding ring constantly, without taking it off, because it is not a decoration, but a symbol and protection of your marriage.
In ancient times, it was believed that it was from the ring finger of one hand or another that there came an artery leading directly to the heart. That is why they began to wear the symbol of fidelity on it.
Important! In the Orthodox tradition, a widow's ring is worn on the left hand, so it is extremely important for newlyweds not to confuse it.
General information and features of wedding rings
As noted above, wedding rings are different from engagement rings. According to the canon, the men's ring is made of gold, and the women's ring is made of silver, while the style of both products is common. It is almost impossible to purchase such a pair ready-made, so in this case jewelry is often made to order.
Wedding of newlyweds in church
There are two theories to explain this tradition. In the first, it is believed that gold, as a symbol of the sun, denotes a man - the head of the family. And silver is a symbol of the moon, which reflects the sun, and is a symbol of a faithful and submissive wife. The second theory is based on the statements of the Apostle Paul, where he compares the relationship of a married couple with the relationship of Christ and the Church. In a couple, the husband plays the role of Jesus, and the woman plays the role of the Church. The divine essence of God's son is reflected in gold, and silver is a symbol of spiritual light, purity and church grace.
Wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand, just like wedding rings. The right hand was not chosen by chance, but because in Christianity, believers use it to make the sign of the cross.
After divorce
According to church canons, a wedding is eternal and indestructible. You make a vow to be with a person through thick and thin until death, and the ring is the guarantee of this promise. However, modern life is not so simple, and divorces do happen. Even the church allows a second wedding, although it does not cancel the previous one.
What to do in this case with the wedding ring? The best thing to do is take it off and never put it on again, even as ordinary jewelry. After all, this is a symbol of the now broken oath before God. It is strictly forbidden to use such a ring in other wedding ceremonies with the same or another person - it certainly will not bring happiness.
Can wedding rings be used for weddings?
Nowadays, wedding rings that were originally worn during the wedding in the registry office are used for weddings. Those who respect church customs choose other wedding decorations .
Today people choose different gold wedding rings and rings. There are different approaches to decorating jewelry :
- engravings applied to the external or internal surface;
- identical or completely different design ;
- a combination of several precious metals (yellow, white or red gold, silver, platinum);
- presence or absence of patterns ;
- different thickness ;
- various designs (flat, convex).
Wedding rings should have a simple design. Pretentious decor is not permissible.
It is advisable to make jewelry without ornate patterns, inscriptions, or precious stones
Clergymen have the right to refuse a wedding if a couple in love chooses jewelry that is inappropriate according to church canons . Such a refusal will be reasoned. Despite certain concessions, it is advisable to take into account church canons that have existed from time immemorial.
Gold ring with diamonds, SL (price on the link)
