Symbol of divine grace: what should wedding rings be like?

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.

When to get married?

If all the basic conditions are met, then it is necessary to select a time for the ceremony. Newlyweds can choose one of four days of the week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday. It is worth remembering that weddings do not take place during multi-day fasts - Christmas, Great, Petrov and Uspensky. Also excluded from the calendar are Christmastide (January 7-19), the week before the start of Lent (Maslenitsa) and the week after Easter. You should not count on the dates of the great church holidays - Candlemas (February 15), Ascension of the Lord, Trinity, Beheading of John the Baptist (September 11), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 21), Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord (September 28), Intercession of the Holy Theotokos ( October 13). The days on the eve of the above dates are also prohibited. Additionally, temple holidays may also fall. These events are determined individually for each church, so in any case it is better to first consult with the rector of the church.

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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.

Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in the Monastery of John the Baptist

• Address: Primorskaya street 7, near the coast of the Ob River Show on map
• Contact number: 7-383-23943-04
• Open to visitors: every day - 08:00–19:00

The Monastery of John the Baptist is an entire architectural complex, the central element of which is the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael. Already at the entrance you can take the first romantic pictures against the backdrop of the snow-white gates. The temple is made in the classical Russian style and has an octagonal shape. Its golden domes, reminiscent of onions, look very majestic. By the way, from a distance the complex looks no less bright. Therefore, be sure to ask your wedding photographer to find suitable angles from the next street. In addition to the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael, on the territory of the monastery you can see the chapel of the Icon of the Mother of God, a picturesque spring, as well as a spacious cathedral in honor of the Archangel Michael. The church regularly hosts services, educational activities, meetings of believers, and youth meetings. Therefore, it is better to plan the wedding date in advance so that it is not busy.

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.

Some tips for choosing

1. Buy rings . This way, you can both follow the tradition and find the ideal size, shape and appearance.
2. It is worth knowing that in the evening, fingers may swell, so it is better to start searching in the morning .
3. Choose those that fit the church requirements if you want the ceremony to take place.
4. Think carefully about what product you are ready to wear for the rest of your life; you should be comfortable and comfortable . In addition, it is good if it is in harmony with your other things. Because you need to wear wedding jewelry all the time without taking it off.
5. If your eye falls on an engraving in the form of a prayer, then it is ideal to purchase this option in a cathedral or chapel. Other inscriptions can often be made in the same store where you buy or in any other jewelry department.
6. The selected models should suit both spouses , because they are a symbol of the love of two people.

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.

Options

When choosing wedding rings, pay attention to the following options:

• simple, without any decoration;
• moderately decorated;
• with neat, non-provocative inscriptions;
• matching jewelry;
• rings;
• engraved jewelry;

Choosing metal

If we talk about the material, these days most couples do not follow all the rules of the church and mostly choose both rings in gold. This can be explained by the fact that such accessories always look fashionable, aesthetically pleasing, they are strong, durable and easy to maintain, unlike silver metal.

If you don’t like yellow, then choose white gold, it looks sophisticated and delicate.

Silver, in turn, is cheaper, and therefore of worse quality. Products made from it need to be cleaned often, and their main disadvantage is that over time almost everything turns black.

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!

Where to find suitable models

You can find a wide selection of wedding rings of different sizes and shapes by visiting a jewelry store in Moscow. This is a unique place where there are more than 100 stores, which offer many models of not only rings, but also other jewelry: bracelets, pendants, earrings, chains and much more. Such diversity is amazing. Among them are products of both Russian and foreign brands. For each product purchased in one of our sales centers, we provide our own guarantee. This is due to the fact that we completely trust our partners-representatives of jewelry centers, because... We carefully approach their selection.

If you want to try on the jewelry you are interested in, you can do this right in the salon. If you have any questions related to choosing suitable products, you can contact the managers of the jewelry salon. They will definitely help you and recommend suitable models that will be selected in accordance with your wishes and image. Also, in the salons of the Golden Gross shopping center, promotions and sales are regularly held, within the framework of which discounts on certain types of products can reach 30-40% or more.

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.

Catholic Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Every connoisseur of Gothic architecture is simply obliged to visit the Catholic Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Perhaps this is the only architectural ensemble in Novosibirsk, made in this style, although the architecture of the cathedral also combines elements of modern art nouveau. Thanks to this unique combination, the temple is included in the list of city attractions, where excursions and photo sessions are often organized. Unlike Orthodox cathedrals, there are no rounded oval shapes here. The roofs of the temple have sharp ends with different heights. The entrance to the building is decorated with forged gates with ornate patterns. The façade of the entire structure is divided into three parts, which end with arches designed in the Romanesque style. At the entrance to the Catholic Cathedral, you will see a stained glass window, against which the wedding photographer will definitely take a memorable photo. On one side of the entrance there is a chapel, and on the other there is the diocesan administration building. Nearby there is a library and an indoor gallery intended for festive events.

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.

Actions to take if you lose a symbol of loyalty

According to popular beliefs, the loss of a symbol of fidelity promises betrayal, misfortune, poor health and even death. But the Orthodox Church calls not to perceive the situation as something terrible. After all, a ring is just an attribute of the ceremony, so its loss through negligence does not at all foreshadow sad consequences.

Since suspicious people tend to dramatize events, they need to immediately calm down and not think about the bad. After all, by imagining unpleasant situations in one’s head, a person thereby attracts them into real life. If negative thoughts haunt you, then it is recommended to buy new rings and go to church with them. Find the priest there, explain to him the current situation and ask him to consecrate the symbols. After the ceremony, jewelry must be worn according to the same rules as previous items.