The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-05-23
Bits About Weddings

wedding rings, but it describes the
giving of them rs PIECES of honor
and affection. Pharaoh gave Joseph
ring when he set him over the
land of Egypt, and theprodigal was
given a ring upon his return to his
father Legends relate that Joseph
cspoused Mary with a ring in which
was set an amethyst, and of course
this precious relict was found (by a
miracle) and performed many Won
dcrful cures, for the benefit of man
kind and the treasury of thechurch,
The young Roman sent the maid
en- his family had selected to become
his wife ring in token of his tidel-
ity. Gold was the usual material,
but in the time Of Pliny. iron rings
set with adamant were used to de-
note the durability Of the contract
as now, this ring was worn On the
fourth finger of the left hand. 1t
was not always plain, but often
bore a device, as a key to denote
the authority and responsibility of
Il wife in her husbands house.
The diamond was much esteemed
as Il wedding ring in Italy during
the 18th and 18th centuries, for that
gem was believed to have Il myster-
ious power of maintaining happi-
ness between husband and wife.
Silver rings inlaid with Niello, were
also used.
Gemmed rings were in fashion
forty or fifty years ago. Two and
sometimes three or four delicate
rings were hinged or linked together
and bore upon the top when closed
elasped hands or a heart, emblem
of love and fidelity. Notices or
posies were engaged on the inside
of these rings. The prettiest one |
ever saw read, Endless and pure
be our love" The Anglo-Saxons
used these gcmmcd rings, and they
in turn borrowed them ofthc French
for one would like to know from
whom the French borrowed them,
but history is silent on this point.
The wedding ring has been worn
upon the thumb, and the right hand
but the women of all nations have
been busy as bees, and with spin
ming and weaving TO occupy thcii
fingers, it is easy to see why even q
princess should put her priced we'd
ding ring upon the hand and finger
which would keep it the safest. The
fancy that a vein or nerve runs Iii,
rectly from the fourth finger Of the
left hand to the heart, is very an
Client, and no doubt helped to make
it the bearer Of the wedding ring
and there was in the early days Of
the church curious custom Of rec
ognizing the Trinity, by placing the
rinr an tho first fngnr or tbumb
for The Father. an thr Second fnoc,
far tbo Son md m t,o tbirI fngo,
for the Holy Ghost. Then it wa.
nocod rron IN, f,rrlb fn,,.r from
which Iovinr and supprstitiou.
wives never removed it.
Scholars oro f,,d If t.1,i,e II.
that fine wrLdino rinr meant tb,
.ubicction Bnt in br INST th,
subicction Of women bo, needed II,
siam t,oo,,,h,.i,o il +, yeas an ac
ccntod cot and v.o, norL,,,. , .o,
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