Symbolism of Wedding Rings

"The meeting of two personalities is like thepractice of choosing gold for one betrothed and
contact ofsilver for the other, as gold and silver are the
two chemical substances; if there is any reaction,metals long associated with the Sun and Moon
respectively.Rings in general have a deeply rooted
both are transformed." -C.G. JungRings have beenmagical significance. Enchanted rings figure in many
exchanged as a symbol of the bond of marriageancient folk tales. Incantations and spells for the
for so long, and in so many different cultures,protection of the wearer of rings are common
that the origin of the practice is obscure. Certainly,motifs. Today, in traditional religious ceremonies,
the circle of a ring represents undying love andChristian and otherwise, the wedding rings are
the continually renewed vows of the marriedblessed by a minister or priest, thus continuing the
couple. Circles have long been archetypes for notsymbolic practice of imbuing rings with protective
only timelessness, but also wholeness andpowers.The widespread tradition of embellishing
homecoming. The circle also speaks to thethe plain gold or silver wedding band with various
constant round of the heavens, as well as thedesigns and patterns has been known since at
eternal return of the seasons, marked by cyclicalleast 700 AD, in both Pan-Hellenic and Celtic
ritual and celebration.cultures. The quite ancient symbol of the
In addition, the circle in rock art, sacred stoneouroboros, the serpent which consumes its own
arrays, and astrology represents both the Suntail, was a theme used for wedding rings made of
and the Moon, themselves astrological andiron in Rome. The ouroboros itself is a symbol of
alchemical symbols for the masculine and femininethe oneness of creation and destruction in
aspects of the cosmos. This correspondence withrenewal, and the life principle which timelessly
the Sun and Moon is emphasized by the frequentfeeds on its own inspiration.