THE WEDDING RINGS: Is It Biblical

After the exchange of wedding vows, the Bishop asked for the wedding rings and the couples put it on the third fingers, followed with “wedding ring vows”.

The Bishop now says, “Congratulations! You’re married! He gave you a beautiful wedding ring as a symbol of his love and devotion. I now declare you husband and wife”.

But have you ever wondered: Why a ring? Where did today's wedding ring traditions came from, and when did it start? Why was the ring on the third finger? Ever wonder "why gold and diamonds?" Well, wonder no more, because I am here to give you a quick rundown of the history of wedding rings, and a quick explanation of the meaning behind today's wedding ring traditions.

TRADITION OF WEDDING RINGS

Many of the wedding traditions that we follow today date back to centuries past, while others are only a few years old. The exchanging of rings (depending on which explanation you believe) is one of the oldest marital traditions around. One version of the origin of the wedding ring states that, during prehistoric times, the groom would bind the bride’s ankles and wrists with grass, to keep her soul from escaping (some say it was really to keep her from running away!). Once the ceremony was complete, he would remove the rope, and tie it to one of her fingers. This tradition gradually evolved from grass, to rope, to leather, and finally, to a metal band. Another story comes from the ancient Romans, who placed a ring on the third finger, because it was believed to house the “Vena Amoris” or the “Vein of Love,” which ran directly to the heart. They chose the left hand, because the heart was then believed to be on the left side of the chest. These traditions were spread 'round the world, as new lands were discovered; thus, we have the tradition of the wedding band that is still highly recognized today across many religions and cultures.

HISTORY OF THE WEDDING RING

The ancient pagan Romans were probably responsible for beginning the exchange of engagement and wedding rings. They wore the ring on the third finger (for engagement) and the fourth finger (for wedding) of the left hand because they believed that a vein from this fingers runs directly to the heart. Although most people no longer believe in this superstitious idea, they still wear wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand. The meaning of the wedding ring as a symbol of marital commitment finds its origin in pagan mythology and superstitions. The investment of this pagan symbol with a sacred Christian meaning, lead to a secularization of the symbol itself and the wedding rings have completely lost their pagan meaning.

In spite of the attempts made by church leaders to restrict the use of rings only to one plain marital ring, many Christians throughout the centuries have worn all sorts of rings to adorn themselves than to express their marital commitment.

Although the wedding ring finds its origin in paganism, which is against God, it has no Biblical sanction or sacredness.

IS WEDDING RING MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE

The roundness of the wedding ring is said to represent eternity and to symbolize unending love, devotion and that the couple is forever united in the marriage bond. This is non-Scriptural symbolism, for the Bible declares that marriage union is only for time, only for as long as both of the marriage partners live physically. The increasing divorce rate in many countries where married persons usually wear a wedding ring proves that this meaning is not real.

Even there is no directly mentioning of wedding ring in the Bible, it is plain that God's servants could wear rings. A wedding ring is not a Christian requirement. The decisions whether one want or not to wear the ring is a person one, to be made accord with the conscientious views one holds.

Christians do not give any symbolic meaning to a wedding ring, even though they cultivate these qualities in marriage. For the majority of persons, including Christians, in lands where wedding rings are common, the wedding ring ensures nothing, it merely serves public notice of married estate. Now you know.

Some Churches like Deeper Life in Nigeria use the Bible as a symbol of their commitment to the marriage instead of a ring. The Groom will offer the brand new Bible to his Bride.

Wearing of ring is cultural and not Biblical. Therefore, it should not be compulsory, but a matter of choice.

Mark 7:8 says, "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men..."

Just the way some of us are accepting all kinds of anointed items and so called holy water, etc., is the same way those pagan practices crept into the church in the past.

Do you know even the bridesmaids have their origin in paganism? We can now clearly see reason why the Bible is silent about wedding and emphasize more on Marriage.

But we are the Last Remnant, who are coming out of Babylon.